Author: Gist Correspondent

The Rivers State University (RSU) on Wednesday formally inducted 5,601 newly admitted students into its academic community during the 44th Matriculation Ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session.

Addressing the fresh students, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, warned against cultism, examination malpractice and other acts capable of undermining their academic careers, stressing that the institution maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy on such offences.

Professor Zeb-Obipi described matriculation as a defining moment that officially confers studentship status, noting that RSU remains committed to academic excellence, discipline and character development.

He congratulated the students for securing admission through merit and perseverance, emphasising that university education extends beyond the pursuit of certificates to the cultivation of integrity, leadership and responsible citizenship.

The Vice-Chancellor reiterated that any student found culpable of examination malpractice or involvement in cult-related activities would face expulsion in line with the University’s regulations.

He also cautioned students on the importance of timely fee payment and proper registration, explaining that failure to complete registration within the stipulated period could attract penalties, loss of examination eligibility or automatic withdrawal.

According to him, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) approved 9,549 admissions for RSU out of an allocation of 11,715 for the session. However, only 5,601 students fulfilled the registration and fee payment requirements and were therefore eligible for matriculation.

A faculty-by-faculty breakdown showed that the matriculating students were drawn from Administration and Management, Agriculture, the College of Medical Sciences, Education,