Rivers State University  popularly known as RSU  is a public state university located in Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. It is one of Nigeria’s leading state-owned universities and is widely recognised as the first technological university in Nigeria as well as the first state-owned university in the Niger Delta region. RSU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, part-time, pre-degree, diploma, and professional programmes across several faculties including Medicine, Law, Engineering, Sciences, Agriculture, Education, and Management Sciences. The university motto is Excellence and Creativity.

History of the Institution

The origins of Rivers State University trace back to 1972, when it was established as the Rivers State College of Science and Technology. In October 1980, it was upgraded into a full university and became known as the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST).

For many years, the institution was known nationwide for its strength in engineering, technology, and applied sciences. In 2017, the university was officially renamed Rivers State University (RSU) to reflect its expanded academic scope beyond science and technology.

Today, RSU has developed into a comprehensive university with thousands of students, strong research output, modern facilities, and a wide alumni network across Nigeria and abroad.

Location

Rivers State University (RSU)
Nkpolu-Oroworukwo
Port Harcourt
Rivers State, Nigeria

Postal Address: P.M.B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234 810 444 4411
Email: info@ust.edu.ng

Faculties

• Agriculture
• Basic Medical Sciences
• College of Medicine
• Communication and Media Studies
• Education
• Engineering
• Environmental Sciences
• Humanities
• Law
• Management Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Science
• Postgraduate School

List of Courses Offered by Rivers State University (RSU)

Faculty of Agriculture

• Agricultural and Applied Economics
• Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
• Animal Science
• Crop Science
• Soil Science
• Fisheries and Aquatic Environment
• Food Science and Technology
• Forestry and Environment
• Home Science and Management

Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences

• Human Anatomy
• Human Physiology
• Medical Laboratory Science
• Public Health Science

College of Medical Sciences

• Medicine and Surgery
• Nursing Science

Faculty of Education

• Adult and Community Education
• Agricultural Education
• Business Education
  • Accountancy
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Office Management Technology
• Educational Management
• Educational Foundations
• Science Education
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Integrated Science
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
• Vocational and Technical Education
  • Building Technology
  • Electrical/Electronics
  • Mechanical/Metal Work
• Library and Information Science

Faculty of Engineering

• Agricultural and Environmental Engineering
• Chemical and Petrochemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Marine Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Petroleum Engineering

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

• Architecture
• Environmental Management
• Estate Management
• Geography and Environment
• Quantity Surveying
• Surveying and Geomatics
• Urban and Regional Planning

Faculty of Humanities

• English and Literary Studies
• History and International Diplomacy
• Modern Languages (French)
• Philosophy
• Religious and Cultural Studies
• Theatre and Film Studies

Faculty of Law

• Law (LL.B)

Faculty of Administration and Management

• Accountancy
• Finance
• Management
• Marketing
• Office and Information Management
• Employment Relations and Human Resources Management

Faculty of Communication and Media Studies

• Broadcasting and Cinematography
• Development Communication Studies
• Journalism and Media Studies
• Public Relations and Advertising

Faculty of Science

• Animal and Environmental Biology
• Biochemistry
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Geology
• Mathematics
• Maritime Sciences
• Microbiology
• Physics
• Plant Science and Biotechnology

Faculty of Social Sciences

• Economics
• Geography and Environmental Management
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Sociology

Admission Requirements

UTME (Undergraduate Admission)

Candidates are generally required to have:

• Minimum of five (5) O’Level credit passes including English Language and Mathematics
• Acceptable JAMB score
• Correct UTME subject combination
• RSU selected as preferred institution
• Participation in Post-UTME screening exercise

Direct Entry Admission

Candidates with ND, NCE, IJMB, JUPEB, HND or A’Level qualifications may apply for Direct Entry admission.

Postgraduate Admission

RSU offers PGD, Masters, MBA, M.Phil, and PhD programmes through its Postgraduate School.

Pre-Degree / Foundation

The university also runs preparatory and foundation pathways in some sessions.

Please check school website or latest news below for newest update.

School Fees

RSU school fees vary depending on:

• Fresh or returning student
• Faculty / programme
• Professional courses
• Indigene / non-indigene status
• Undergraduate or postgraduate level

Students generally make payments through official university payment portals.

Please check school website or latest news below for newest update.

Cut-off Mark

RSU cut-off marks vary by academic session and department.

• General courses may use the approved institutional benchmark
• Competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, Nursing, Engineering, and Mass Communication may require higher scores

Please check school website or latest news below for newest update.

Hostel / Accommodation

RSU has a vibrant campus environment in Port Harcourt. Students may access university accommodation subject to availability, while many others stay in private hostels and lodges around Nkpolu, Mile 3 Diobu, Rumuola, and nearby areas.

Please check school website or latest news below for newest update.

Academic Calendar

RSU Academic Calendar 2026/2027 Released

Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, has released the approved academic calendar for the 2026/2027 academic session. The calendar contains the scheduled dates for registration, lectures, examinations, orientation, matriculation, convocation and other major academic activities for undergraduate students.

Students are expected to take note of the various dates and plan their academic activities accordingly. The session will commence with the arrival of fresh and returning students and online registration on Monday, October 19, 2026, while lectures are scheduled to begin on Monday, October 26, 2026.

S/N	Academic Activity	Date
1	Arrival of fresh/returning students and online registration begins	October 19, 2026
2	First-semester lectures begin	October 26, 2026
3	39th Convocation Ceremony	November 28 – December 5, 2026
4	Christmas break	December 19, 2026 – January 2, 2027
5	Orientation for fresh students	January 18 – 22, 2027
6	Online registration ends	January 22, 2027
7	Matriculation Ceremony	January 27, 2027
8	First-semester lectures end	February 19, 2027
9	First-semester examinations for Year 4 & 5 students	March 1 – 5, 2027
10	First-semester examinations for Year 2 & 3 students	March 8 – 12, 2027
11	First-semester examinations for Year 1 students (CCMAS)	March 15 – 19, 2027
12	First-semester examinations continue for Year 2 & 3 students	March 22 – 30, 2027
13	First-semester examinations for Years 3, 2 & 1 (BMAS)	March 31 – April 2, 2027
14	Presentation of first-semester examination results	April 5 – 9, 2027
15	Second-semester lectures	April 5 – June 25, 2027
16	Students’ Week	June 7 – 12, 2027
17	Faculty Board meetings to consider first-semester results	June 7 – 11, 2027
18	Second-semester examinations for Year 4 & 5 students	July 5 – 9, 2027
19	Second-semester examinations for Year 2 & 3 students	July 12 – 16, 2027
20	Second-semester examinations for Year 1 students	July 19 – 23, 2027
21	Second-semester examinations continue for Year 2 & 3 students	July 26 – 30, 2027
22	Second-semester examinations for Years 3, 2 & 1 (BMAS)	August 2 – 6, 2027
23	Presentation of second-semester examination results	August 9 – 13, 2027
24	Project Defence (External Examinations)	August 11 – 13, 2027
25	Faculty Board meetings to consider second-semester results	August 16 – 20, 2027
26	Senate meeting to consider results	August 26, 2027
27	2026/2027 academic session ends	August 27, 2027
28	Vacation	August 28 – October 23, 2027
29	Sandwich lectures/examinations for 2026/2027	August 30 – October 22, 2027
30	2027/2028 academic session begins	October 25, 2027

Students are advised to follow the approved calendar and keep track of deadlines for registration, examinations and other academic requirements. The university will conduct the various activities according to the timetable as the 2026/2027 academic session progresses.

Notice Board

RSU Admission Clearance 2026/2027 Begins

Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, has commenced the admission clearance exercise for candidates offered provisional admission for the 2026/2027 academic session. The exercise is specifically for candidates who have accepted their admission offers on the JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

Eligible candidates are required to begin their clearance through the university’s Candidate Admission Portal at https://apply.rsu.edu.ng. Candidates should log in using their JAMB Registration Number and other required details, complete the clearance process and pay the prescribed acceptance and preliminary fees.

As part of the clearance process, candidates are required to upload clear copies of their JAMB Admission Letter, JAMB UTME Result Slip, O’Level results, Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age, and Local Government Identification. Candidates with two O’Level sittings must upload both results. They are also required to download and complete the relevant forms on the portal for physical faculty clearance.

The clearance exercise will run from September 23 to November 30, 2026. Candidates are advised to complete the process within the stipulated period, as failure to do so may affect their admission. All submitted information must correspond with candidates’ JAMB records, while false or altered documents may lead to withdrawal of admission. After completing the online process, candidates must submit the downloaded and completed forms to their respective faculties for file opening.

Notable Alumni

RSU has produced prominent graduates, they include:

• Nyesom Ezenwo Wike – Nigerian lawyer and politician; former Governor of Rivers State and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
• Siminalayi Fubara – Nigerian politician and former Governor of Rivers State.
• Magnus Ngei Abe – Nigerian lawyer and politician; former Senator representing Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
• Austin Opara – Nigerian politician and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.
• Goodluck Nanah Opiah – Nigerian politician and former Minister of State for Education.
• Tele Ikuru – Nigerian politician and former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.
• Judith Amaechi – Nigerian philanthropist and former First Lady of Rivers State.
• Tonto Dikeh – Nigerian actress, singer and humanitarian.
• Mary Uranta – Nigerian actress, producer and singer.
• Nichole Banna – Nigerian actress and film producer.
• Manuela George-Izunwa – Nigerian politician.
• Felicity Okpete Ovai – Nigerian engineer and professional in the energy sector.
• Eberechi Wike – Nigerian judge of the Rivers State High Court.

Official Website and Portal Links

Contact Information

Rivers State University
Nkpolu-Oroworukwo
P.M.B. 5080
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Phone: +234 810 444 4411
Email: info@ust.edu.ng

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is RSU a federal or state university?
RSU is a state-owned university established by the Rivers State Government.

What was RSU formerly called?
It was formerly known as Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST).

Where is RSU located?
RSU is located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Is RSU the first technological university in Nigeria?
Yes. RSU is widely recognised as Nigeria’s first technological university.

Does RSU offer Medicine and Law?
Yes. RSU offers Medicine, Law, Engineering, and many other programmes.

Does RSU have a student portal?
Yes. RSU uses online systems for registration, payments, and academic services.

What is eCampus RSU?
eCampus refers to the university’s online academic and learning platforms.

What is RSU cut-off mark?
It varies by programme and academic session.

Please check school website or latest news below for newest update.