The Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt, is set to host her first Corporate Society Day.
Briefing journalists recently on the proposed Corporate Society Day rescheduled for 26th November, 2013, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Barineme Fakae said that Universities across the globe depend on the private sector to grow and that the frontier of industry are the end beneficiaries of the products form Universities.
Prof. Fakae told the journalists that corporate organizations immortalize themselves in University communities by funding specific projects and research, stating that the proposed RSUST Corporate Day will be an avenue for corporate bodies to identify with the developmental strides in the University and assist her in funding specific projects and research.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, some of the projects for sponsorship are: Professorial Chairs in the various Faculties, Students Hostels, Lecture Theatres and Laboratories, expansion of the ICT backbone, State-of-the-art Recreation Park and Multi-purpose Business Mall. He added that corporate bodies can also create projects and fund appropriately besides the ones listed.
Prof. Fakae further told the journalists that all programmes run in the University have gained accreditation from the National Universities Commission and the respective professional bodies. He also said that the University has a functional Mega ICT laboratory with over 1000 computer systems fully networked.
He said “Today, we run a paperless Senate. During our Senate meetings, which is now called the E-Senate, Senate members are expected to come in with their laptops or I pads to download minuets of meeting. This practice has saved the University the cost of producing minuets.”
He also said that with the use of ICT, students can view their results online at the University’s website and graduates from the institution can apply online for their transcript.
He then called on corporate bodies within and outside the State to take advantage of the proposed Corporate Society Day, assuring them that an investment in the RSUST of today, will contribute to the development of the nation as well as the growth of various donors willing to partner with the University.
In his remarks, the Managing Director /CEO of Eruka International, the body that is coordinating the proposed event, Mr. Adonye Omubo-Pepple said his group which is into handling of super brain-power projects with special interest in the development of the Niger Delta region, was pleased to partner with RSUST to bring the dream of the Corporate Society Day into reality.
Mr. Pepple commended the Vice-Chancellor for his giant strides in the areas of infrastructural development, Information Communication and Technology and the emphasis on research. He said that the primary assignment of a university is teaching and research, stating that RSUST over the years have lived up to this assignment.
He then appealed to corporate bodies to assist the University by funding research and projects, stressing that at the long run, they stand to benefit from the quality of graduates as well as the research findings springing from the University.
In his vote of thanks, the Public Relations Officer of the University, Chief Des Wosu thanked the journalists for honouring the invitation and appealed to them to always investigate issues concerning the institution, before going to the press, adding that they should assist in building the University by giving her the right coverage.