ABOUT US
Established in 2023 by the Vice -Chancellor, Professor N.S. Okogbule to foster a lifelong relationship between graduates and their beloved alma mater, the Rivers State University Alumni Relations Directorate (RSU-DAR) stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of academic excellence and community engagement. At its core, RSU-DAR is a structure that liaises with individuals or group of individuals (Alumni Association) who attended the Rivers State University and were found worthy in character and learning and who received certificates of graduation from the University. It is a creation of the University to engage the alumni association in ensuring that graduates of the University are given a befitting linkage with the University. RSU-DAR is aimed at providing all those who once called the institution “Home” and have successfully completed their programme that the University still cares about their well-being and success in life.
The directorate unites alumni from the former College of Science and Technology (CST), Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), and the present Rivers State University, Nkpolu – Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt. With a rich history dating back to the inception of the institution in 1972 (when the institution was founded as CST and 1980 when it became RSUST), RSU-DAR shall serve as a platform for networking, mentorship, and advocacy, reflecting the values instilled by the university.
At the Rivers State University Alumni Relations Directorate (RSU-DAR), we are a community united by a shared commitment to excellence, service, and the enduring legacy of Rivers State University. Founded on the principles of camaraderie and advancement, RSU-DAR serves as the official conduit between alumni, the university, and society at large. Many notable individuals have gone through the University and are impacting the state, the nation and the globe at large in different capacities, thus exemplifying the values of the institution as manifest. The Rivers State University Alumni Relations Directorate (RSU-DAR) is committed to preserving this connection and harnessing the collective power of our alumni community to effect positive changes in the world, starting in the university and the city it is located. Through our programs, initiatives, and partnerships, we strive to empower alumni to lead lives of purpose and impact, leaving a legacy that honors the proud tradition of Rivers State University and inspires future generations to do the same.
The Directorate stands to galvanize all alumni, both those who have already joined the alumni association and those who are yet to. These people have left the university, but the university is not willing to leave them. We are interested in their life, their achievements and their challenges. RSU-DAR do not only offers its facilities as a first point of call to every alumni who enters the university for any reasons, but will provide support to such alumni in dealing with whatever their mission may be at that time. In essence, this directorate is a testament to the unending relationship between comrades who shared the experience of the institution, starting with being selected among many candidates who applied to study in the institution and continuing for a lifetime. However, as an open system, we also welcome other well meaning individuals in the society who are non alumni of the university though, but wish to partner with us in any way to extend the frontiers of RSU-DAR.
VISION
Our vision is to sustain an alumni community that actively contributes to the advancement of education, professional development, and social progress in Rivers State University and beyond.
MISION
Our mission is to empower and unite alumni in service to their Rivers State University and the society at large, fostering a culture of excellence, leadership, and community engagement.
CORE VALUES
We have founded the alumni community on four pillars. These serve as the yardstick for our dealings and as a constant reminder of our primary commitment. They are Integrity, Excellence, Collaboration, Service.
Integrity
At RSU-DAR, integrity is the cornerstone of everything we do. We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our operations, interactions, and decision-making processes. We believe in transparency, honesty, and accountability, and we strive to earn the trust and respect of our alumni, students, partners, and the broader community through our words and actions.
Excellence
Excellence to us is not a goal, it is a mindset that permeates every aspect of our organization. We are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of quality, professionalism, and performance in all our endeavors. Whether we are planning events, administering programs, engaging with stakeholders, or simply interacting among our community, we aim for excellence in every detail. We are committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and learning, striving to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional value to our members, the university, and the broader community.
Collaboration
We believe that by working together, we can achieve far more than we could alone. We value diversity, inclusiveness, and the unique perspectives and contributions of all our stakeholders. We seek to foster a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support, where ideas are shared, challenges are addressed collectively, and success is celebrated together. We collaborate with alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community partners to achieve our shared goals and advance the interests of our university community as a whole. Everyone is a part of our decision-making process as much as they are of our implementation endeavors.
Service
Service is at the core of our identity as an alumni directorate. We are dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those who come in contact with us using the resources available to us. We offer encouragement to our stakeholders to believe in giving back and paying it forward, leveraging our collective resources, talents, and networks to serve others and make a difference. We are committed to serving as stewards of the university’s legacy, preserving its traditions, values, and achievements, while also being responsive to the evolving needs and aspirations of our members in the alumni association and society at large.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
RSU-DAR operates under a structured framework designed to effectively manage its activities and engage stakeholders. Our structure is designed such that the channel of information and bureaucratic processes are minimal whereas information dissemination is optimal.
At the helm of the directorate is the Director, who is an appointee of the Vice -Chancellor. The director has other officers to work with, such as Administrative Officers, Database Administrator , Administrative Secretary, and Office Assistants.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- To arrange for and ensure the smooth take -off of the Directorate including setting up the administrative structure, identifying and utilizing appropriate staff from the University to successfully execute the mandate of the directorate.
- To compile, store and produce a database of all graduates of the University arranged according to their Departments, Faculties and years of graduation.
- To regularly interact and interface with these graduates or corporate entities where they work and identify projects or areas that the Alumni can be of assistance to the University.
- To formulate policies and measures that will encourage the alumni to be interested in the affairs of the University and promote healthy competition for project execution among the various groups of alumni.
- To organise conferences, seminars, workshops, fund raising and similar activities that will galvanize the commitment of the alumni to the cause of the Alumni Association and the University
- To work with the Executive of the Alumni Association of the University and ensure that fresh graduates and others regularly participate in the affairs of the Association and the University.
- To suggest policy measures that will provide incentives for Alumni of the University in terms of assistance in admissions, employments and other matters affecting the University.
- To exercise general superintendence over the administrative affairs of the Directorate
- To follow up on our graduates as they navigate through the rigors of life by hailing them when they triumph and encouraging them when they fail.
PROFILE OF THE DIRECTOR – PROF. J. M. O. GABRIEL
Justin Mgbechi Odinioha Gabriel, pioneer Director, RSU Alumni Relations Directorate is a Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Management Information System. Professor Gabriel had all his educational training from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. He has published over One Hundred Peer Reviewed Journal Articles and authored four text books in different areas of Management. He actively participates in global academic conferences, sharing research and staying current with field developments. Professor Gabriel has presented conference papers in different parts of the world and was in one of such occasions awarded ‘Best Paper Presenter’ at the 2016 Clute Institute’s International Conference in Orlando, USA. Professor Gabriel has served as Calendar and Time- Table Officer, Examination Officer respectively of Faculty of Management Sciences. He has also served as Associate Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences. Professor Gabriel is a bridge builder and networking enthusiast who values meeting people of all shades and colour. His professional memberships include: The Academy of Management (TAMN), Nigeria, Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Chartered Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management (Fellow), Chartered Institute of Management Consultants (Fellow), Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (Associate Member), International Society for Development and Sustainability-Member, African Academics Network(AAN)- Fellow. Professor Gabriel’s dedication to education, research, and professional service continues to inspire and influence his students and colleagues.
