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About the Directorate of Alumni Relations

Established 2023By the Vice-Chancellor, Professor N. S. Okogbule
“Excellence and Creativity”The motto of Rivers State University
Alumni since 1972From CST and RSUST to Rivers State University

Our story

From a college of science and technology to a university with an alumni community that spans every stage of its history.

1972

The Rivers State College of Science and Technology (CST) is established.

1980

Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) is established in October from the College.

2023

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor N. S. Okogbule, establishes the Directorate of Alumni Relations.

Today

RSU-DAR unites alumni of CST, RSUST and the present Rivers State University.

The University at a glance

Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, is the home institution of every member of the Alumni Community.

EstablishedOctober 1980, from the Rivers State College of Science and Technology (1972)
LocationNkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
DistinctionFirst Technological University in Nigeria
DistinctionFirst state-owned university in the Niger Delta region
Staff strengthAbout 1,800
Student populationOver 28,000, taught in English

Who we are

The Directorate of Alumni Relations was 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 who attended the Rivers State University and were found worthy in character and learning and who received certificates of graduation from the University, or the collectivity of such individuals (Alumni Association). 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 the continued warmth that demonstrates that the University still cares about their well-being and success in life.

The directorate unites alumni from the different formative stage of the institution from its founding status as the College of Science and Technology (CST), and later the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), and the present Rivers State University. With a rich history dating back to the inception of the institution in 1972 (as CST) and transition to the premier University of Science and Technology in 1980 (as RSUST), RSU-DAR serves as a platform for networking, mentorship, and advocacy, reflecting the values instilled by the University. The Rivers State University Alumni Relations Directorate (RSU-DAR) is 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 link between the vast Alumni Community, the University, and the Society at large. Many notable individuals have gone through the University and are impacting the State, the Nation and the International Community at large in different capacities, thus exemplifying the values of the institution. 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 its immediate environs. 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 even more. The Directorate stands to galvanize all alumni, both those who have already joined the Alumni Association and those who are yet to do so. These people have left the University, but the University continues to cherish them and continues to seek ways to impact their lives, while celebrating their achievements and supporting them through 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 provides 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, but who wish to partner with us in any way to extend the frontiers of RSU-DAR.

Our mission

Centre of Excellence for building mutually beneficial University-Alumni Community Relationship, empowering and uniting alumni in service to their beloved Rivers State University and the society at large, through a culture of excellence, leadership, and community engagement.

Our vision

Raising the Alumni Community to a consciousness that inspires and stimulates the willingness to invest towards the overall development of the University, thus ensuring the advancement of education, professional development, and social progress within the Rivers State University and beyond.

Our core values

Four pillars guide our dealings and remind us of our primary commitment.

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 orientation

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.

Organisational 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.

Vice-ChancellorAppoints the Director
Director -
Heads the Directorate
Deputy Director
Administrative Officers
Database Administrator
Administrative Secretary
Office Assistants

Responsibilities of the Directorate

What RSU-DAR is mandated to do for alumni and for the University.

  • 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.

Prof. Soye Peniel Asawo

Director
Assumed duties on Monday 6 July 2026, taking over from Prof. Justin Mgbechi Odinioha Gabriel, the pioneer Director.

Dr. Asawo is an alumnus of the University and a pragmatic, conscientious and reliable professional with over thirty years of experience in the private and public sectors. He joined Rivers State University in January 2014 and is a Reader in Organizational Leadership and Behavioural Research.

He is a pioneer researcher in Africa on Workplace Spirituality, a Google Scholar with several publications in reputable journals, and an editor and reviewer for notable international journals. He has authored and edited books on research methodology, organisational studies and leadership.

  • DepartmentBusiness Administration, Faculty of Administration and Management
  • DegreePh.D. in Management, specialising in Organizational Behaviour
  • Award2008 Most Promising Dissertation Award, Academy of Management, New York
  • Roles heldPioneer Deputy Director, RSU Business School; former Acting Head, Department of Business Administration
  • MembershipsCo-Chair, Management Academic Forum; Member, The Academy of Management Nigeria (TAMN)

Meet the team

The staff of the Directorate of Alumni Relations.

Dr. Chizy Akani, Deputy Director, Directorate of Alumni Relations
Dr. Chizy AkaniDeputy Director
AA
Mrs. Ann Chimenem Adanwo
NA
Nwokamma Augustin
MA
Mrs. Marvis Nengi Ajoku
CO
Chinwenwo Gemma Ovundah
BO
Blessed Raphael Oyet
FO
Faith Chituru Onu

Contact us

Reach the Directorate of Alumni Relations for support with your account, records or any alumni matter.

Location

Directorate of Alumni Relations
Rivers State University
Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, P.M.B. 5080
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria