The gulf  between  Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister  Nyesom Wike and Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara appeared to have widened yesterday as the two gladiators avoided each other following the minister’s arrival in the state for some functions.

Wike was in Eleme for the burial of the mother of Chief Ejor while  Fubara attended  the convocation of the Rivers State University (RSU).

On the minister’s huge entourage were  Minister of State for Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, Senator Barry Mpigi, Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly,  Major Jack and some members of the Assembly loyal to him.

The rest included the Executive Director Finance and Administration of the NDDC, Alabo  Boma Iyaye, Elder Ferdinand Alabraba, Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Allwell Ihunda and other local government chairmen and other dignitaries among others.

At the 35th convocation ceremony of the Rivers State University that took place at the Convocation Arena of the institution in Nkpolu-Orworukwo, Port Harcourt yesterday, Fubara, promised to strengthen the capacity of the Rivers State University (RSU) and make it one of the best in the country.

The governor said education remained the cornerstone for a firm, equitable and progressive society.

He said: “Bear in mind that funding is a problem, not just to this university system but also to governance. But as you all know, education is cornerstone of a firm, equitable and progressive society.

“Therefore, we will continue to do our best to finance our own university. Our commitment to make RSU one of the best in this country is a target and a process we have just started today.”

Fubara acknowledged the result-oriented approach adopted by the leadership of RSU to achieve the success being celebrated including securing full accreditation for all programmes in the institution despite the challenges.

He said: “Let me commend the VC for his innovation, result-oriented approach to administration of this university. Let me here promise this university community that the grant approved but not released will be released by Monday, 18th Dec., 2023.

“The essence of our commitment to education development is reflected in our 2024 budget where it received the third highest allocation.

“Let me, therefore, assure you that we will disburse a fair share of these resources to address the university’s most critical challenges, including support for the full and effective development of the new campuses, the provision of a stable power supply, the building of student hostels, and effective CCTV coverage to enhance safety and security in the campuses.”

Until now,Wike and Fubara were usually seen together at public functions.

In his address at yesterday’s convocation  the Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof Nlerum Okogbule said 6,326 graduands were conferred with first degrees, postgraduate diplomas, Masters and Doctor of Philosophy.

Okogbule said that all 24 programmes in the university had full accreditation and that the admission quota for Medicine and Surgery programme increased from 100 to 200 students; Nursing and Midwife from 50 to 100 and all its four satellite campuses in good operation.

In his remarks, the Chancellor of the University, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad 1, who is also the Emir of Lafia Bare-Bari and Chairman of Nassarawa State Council of Chiefs demanded adequate funding of tertiary institutions to strengthen them to undertake researches that address developmental needs of the country.