RSU Begins Construction of TETFund-Sponsored Medical Laboratory Science Faculty Building.
Rivers State University (RSU) has commenced the construction of a new Faculty Building for the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), as part of efforts to strengthen academic infrastructure and enhance teaching and learning.
The project, designed in line with the current National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), comprises a ground floor and two suspended floors and is expected to be completed within 365 days.
The building will provide eight professorial offices, the Dean’s office, a Faculty Boardroom, four large lecture halls, each with a capacity of 200 students, as well as dedicated laboratories for the various units within the Faculty. The scope of the project also includes complete furnishing and installation of the required equipment.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held on Tuesday 11th August, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor of RSU, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, commended TETFund for its significant contributions to the development of tertiary education in Nigeria, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, career development, ICT and maintenance.
Prof. Zeb-Obipi charged the contractor to execute the project expeditiously without compromising structural quality. He stressed that the building must be delivered to the highest standard, with particular attention to preventing structural defects such as leaks and cracks.
The Vice-Chancellor also maintained a strict no-variation position on the approved project cost, urging the contractor to procure necessary materials early and plan effectively to avoid delays. He stated that subsequent payment tranches would be tied strictly to verified project milestones.
To ensure effective supervision and accountability, Prof. Zeb-Obipi constituted a Project Monitoring Committee comprising professionals in architecture, civil, mechanical and electrical engineering, quantity surveying and estate management.
The committee, headed by Prof. Ferdinand Daminabo, was charged with providing continuous professional oversight of the project and ensuring that construction activities conform to approved specifications, standards and timelines.
Describing the committee as the “eyes of the University” on the project, the Vice-Chancellor urged its members to maintain strict and consistent monitoring throughout the construction period.
The contractor, who is an alumnus of the University, expressed pride in returning to contribute to the development of his alma mater. He pledged to give the project his personal attention and assured the University Management of daily supervision and dedicated oversight, stressing that the project would not be treated as an ordinary public contract.
He further promised to ensure quality execution and timely completion of the project, noting that the engineering team was fully committed to delivering a facility that would make the University community proud.
The groundbreaking ceremony was graced by Principal Officers, Heads of Campuses, Deans of Faculties, Directors, Heads of Departments, staff and students of the Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science as well as members of the Alumni Association.
