Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that the decentralisation of Rivers State University (RSU) campuses has not yielded the expected outcomes.
The initiative, launched by former Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Federal Capital Territory Minister, saw the establishment of three additional campuses in Ahoada, Emohua, and Etche Local Government Areas, each designed to host a faculty.
This plan was aligned with Wike’s vision of expanding the university while maintaining the main campus at Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, near Mile 3 Market in Port Harcourt.
During a visit on Tuesday from members of the Kalabari ethnic group, Fubara criticized the decentralized campuses as unsustainable. When discussing calls for a new tertiary institution in the Kalabari area, the governor emphasized his administration’s focus on developing vocational institutions that are self-sustaining and capable of attracting both state and federal support.
Fubara stated, “We will carefully consider the creation of any new institution, ensuring it is self-sufficient and specialized, rather than just adding institutions that fail to support themselves.”
The governor also shared that discussions have been initiated about reintegrating the decentralized RSU campuses into the main campus. “A memo is currently being considered to consolidate these campuses back into the main campus, but our administration will not follow that path,” he noted.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to completing ongoing projects and initiating new ones across the three Local Government Areas that make up the Kalabari ethnic group, including the significant 12.5km Trans-Kalabari Road project, valued at N200 billion, and the 19.7km Buguma-Abalama-Tema-Degema-Abonnema Road.
Fubara stressed the importance of these developments in transforming Kalabari land into a hub for growth and economic advancement.
He mentioned that previous administrations avoided the Trans-Kalabari Road project due to its high costs, but his government is committed to completing it and fostering unprecedented development in the region.
He explained, “The road project is not easy, but we are doing it with our eyes open, knowing the positive impact it will have. It will reduce insecurity, cut living costs, and open Kalabari to greater opportunities.”
Responding to the Kalabari people’s unanimous endorsement of his potential second term, Governor Fubara expressed confidence that his administration’s focus on tangible progress will carry them to victory in 2027, should he choose to run again. He said, “We will cross whatever bridge comes our way, with faith that we will overcome challenges.”
Acknowledging the support from the Rivers Ijaw community, particularly the Kalabari people, Governor Fubara assured them of his administration’s dedication to delivering quality projects and meeting their needs. He also responded to requests regarding the Abonnema General Hospital, directing the Health Commissioner to assess its condition for immediate rehabilitation and promising to address shore protection issues in the region.
Governor Fubara also shared updates on ongoing infrastructure projects, with phase two of the Abonnema sand-filling project soon to extend to Buguma.
Chief Pawariso Samuel Horsfall, representing the Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, declared that the Kalabari people had unanimously endorsed Governor Fubara for a second term, pledging to mobilize support for his re-election in 2027.
In his speech, the leader of the delegation, King Disreal Gbobo Bobmanuel, expressed deep gratitude to Governor Fubara for his unwavering commitment to the Kalabari people, as seen in the impactful development projects he has initiated or completed in their region.
