The Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University (RSU), Professor Nlerum Okogbule Zeb-Obipi, has urged retiring staff members of the institution to channel their experience and creativity into productive ventures such as farming, mentoring, and book writing after leaving active service.
Professor Zeb-Obipi made the call during a retirement honour ceremony held in Port Harcourt for 74 outgoing staff — comprising 11 academic staff, 51 senior non-teaching staff, and 12 junior non-teaching staff.
Commending the retirees for their years of dedicated service, the VC said the university was proud of their contributions and would continue to celebrate them as part of the RSU family.
“They have retired but not tired,” Zeb-Obipi said. “Retirement is statutory — 65 years for non-teaching staff and 70 for teaching staff. But for those still strong and willing, we are appealing to the government to approve their re-engagement on contract terms so they can continue serving the university community.”
He acknowledged that the exit of such a large number of personnel had created manpower gaps but assured that the university was already making moves to address the situation.
“Having 74 of our staff leave at once means there will be gaps to fill. Some left earlier, and we haven’t had the opportunity to replace them. We’ll work with the University Council and seek the Visitor’s approval to bring in replacements,” he explained.
In a bid to strengthen ties with its former staff, the Vice Chancellor announced the creation of an RSU Retiree Directory and a Retiree Relations Desk, designed to maintain communication and engagement with retirees.
“We’ll have a desk officer who will keep in touch with our retirees — sending them goodwill messages during festive periods and birthdays, and inviting them to university functions. That continued connection will, in a way, sustain their sense of belonging and even prolong their lives,” he said.
Addressing concerns over delayed pension payments, Professor Zeb-Obipi assured retirees that the university would ensure timely documentation to facilitate smooth processing of their benefits.
“Some of these matters are beyond our control,” he noted, “but we’ll do our part to ensure all required documentation is completed early and sent to the appropriate quarters. With the government we have, I’m confident this set of retirees will not face such delays.”
Delivering a lecture titled “Living and Thriving in Retirement,” the Area Manager of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), Rumuokwuta Area Office, Port Harcourt, Mr. Ebenezer Oladimeji, encouraged retirees to maintain active lifestyles, nurture their faith, and focus on their well-being as they transition into retirement.
The ceremony was marked by celebration, reflection, and appreciation — highlighting RSU’s enduring culture of honouring service and fostering lifelong bonds with its community.
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