The Rivers State University has officially become home to the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), a development hailed as a transformative moment for the state’s academic and professional landscape.
Speaking at the UN Flag Raising Ceremony to commemorate the launch of CIFAL Nigeria at Rivers State University, Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu described the initiative as more than just an institutional milestone. She emphasized that the establishment of CIFAL Nigeria, the 31st International Training Centre in the CIFAL Global Network, positions the state as a hub for knowledge exchange, leadership development, and global collaboration.
In her remarks, CIFAL Global Network Lead, Dr. Ebru Canan-Sokullu, welcomed CIFAL Nigeria as the latest addition to UNITAR’s worldwide network of training centers. She noted that the Port Harcourt hub would play a critical role in advancing technology, innovation, and knowledge-sharing across multiple disciplines, further strengthening Africa’s presence in the CIFAL network, which spans Asia, Oceania, Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Nlerum Okogbule, highlighted the significance of the selection, stating that it elevates the university’s profile on the United Nations platform. As a recognized CIFAL training center, the university will now serve as a focal point for capacity-building programs, offering specialized training across various fields to enhance professional and leadership development in Nigeria and beyond.
The establishment of CIFAL Nigeria at Rivers State University marks a new era of international collaboration, positioning the institution as a key player in global education and research.
