The Rivers State University (RSU) has commissioned a 120-capacity Chemistry Laboratory at its Etche Campus as part of efforts to strengthen academic infrastructure and improve practical learning and research.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 15th Governing Council, The Hon. Okey Wali, SAN, inaugurated the facility on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to developing the Etche Campus and repositioning the university among leading institutions in Nigeria and Africa.
Wali said the Council identified the poor condition of the laboratory building during its familiarisation visits to the university’s campuses, prompting the constitution of a joint committee of Council and Management to assess, renovate and complete the facility.
He commended members of the committee, the Governing Council, University Management, the Head of Campus, faculty members and the Etche traditional leadership for their contributions to the successful completion of the project.
The Pro-Chancellor assured the Etche community that the campus would continue to receive attention, stressing that more developmental projects would be undertaken to improve its academic and infrastructural capacity.
He explained that Chemistry was prioritised because of its importance to teaching, learning and research, adding that plans were underway to provide Physics and Biology laboratories in subsequent phases.
“This is all about changing the narrative of this University, and we are determined to do that. By God’s grace, we will achieve it,” he said.
Wali also praised the Vice-Chancellor and University Management for their cooperation, noting that the project demonstrated the benefits of effective collaboration between the Governing Council and Management.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, acknowledged the contributions of the 14th Governing Council, led by Justice Mary Odili (Rtd.), and the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nlerum S. Okogbule, towards initiating the project.
He particularly appreciated the 15th Governing Council for ensuring its completion despite challenges, including the need to review the initial cost estimate upwards and approve additional funding.
Zeb-Obipi also commended the Etche traditional leadership for providing security and protecting construction materials, while acknowledging the contributions of the Head of Campus, Dean, lecturers and students.
He disclosed that the university’s next phase of development at the campus would focus on proposals for the construction of Physics and Biology laboratories.
According to him, the additional facilities would eliminate the need for students to travel to the main campus in Port Harcourt for practical sessions, thereby reducing transportation costs, saving time and improving academic efficiency.
The Vice-Chancellor charged members of staff and students to ensure proper maintenance and effective utilisation of the newly commissioned facility.
Earlier, the Head of Campus, Etche, Professor M. J. Ayotamuno, described the commissioning as a historic achievement, noting that the Chemistry Laboratory was the first of its kind established at any of the university’s three satellite campuses, which were created about five years ago.
He said the facility was completed ahead of the 2026/2027 academic session, commending the Pro-Chancellor and the Governing Council for their commitment to delivering the project within a short period.
