Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced the appointment of Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi as the new Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt.
The governor made the announcement on Thursday through a special government release, signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo. The appointment is effective immediately.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi, a distinguished Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management, takes over from Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, who was first appointed on March 5, 2020, under the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike.
Prof. Okogbule’s tenure expired on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, after a five-year term that many have described as tranquil, staff-friendly, and progressive.
Fifteen professors had expressed interest in the university’s top position, but following a competitive, rigorous, and merit-based selection process, the Governing Council narrowed the applicants down to three candidates.
A confidential assessment report disclosed that Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi emerged as the top contender with a score of 90.72%, followed by Prof. Adolphus Toby at 88.81%, and Prof. Nkalo Hudson Ukoima with 85.63%.
These results underscored the qualifications of all three candidates.
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Governor Fubara’s decision to appoint the highest-ranking contender highlights his commitment to promoting transparency, excellence, and competence in public service roles.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi, who joined Rivers State University on April 21, 1997, has risen through the ranks to become a Professor of Management with expertise in Organizational Behaviour, Human Resource Management, and Industrial Relations.
He has held various leadership roles, including serving twice as the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Head of both the Management and Office & Information Management Departments, and Dean of Student Affairs from November 2015 to March 2022.
Before his appointment as Vice Chancellor, Prof. Zeb-Obipi served as the Director of the Information and Communication Technology Centre and was a two-term member of the University’s Governing Council. A fellow of several professional organizations and a former student union leader, he also holds the traditional title of Ogulacha II in Ogoloma, Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi’s appointment has been met with widespread congratulations from various groups, including the University’s Senior Staff Club, where he served as president twice, staff, students, alumni, and campus unions.
The joyful reactions on campus and social media reflect the broad acceptance of his leadership.
With high expectations surrounding his appointment, many are eager to see the achievements, milestones, and successes the university will reach under his leadership.
Crediblenewsng.com
