RSU matriculation 2026: gown collection, deadline, penalty

Rivers State University (RSU) has released details for its 44th matriculation ceremony for fresh students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session.

The notice was signed by the Acting Registrar, Dr. Idanyingi F. Daminabo; it covers the ceremony date, gown collection steps, the return deadline and penalties for default.

Matriculation date, time and venue

RSU scheduled the 44th matriculation ceremony as follows:

• Date: Wednesday, 28 Jan 2026
• Time: 9:00 a.m.
• Venue: University's Convocation Arena

Same date, another format: Wednesday, 28th January 2026.

Who must collect academic gowns

RSU directed all registered fresh students to collect academic gowns for the matriculation ceremony.

Gown collection is through Faculty channels; students are to go through their respective Faculty Officers.

When gown collection starts

Collection of academic gowns begins on:

• Friday, 23rd Jan 2026

Students are to collect from their Faculty Officers from that date.

What to present before collecting a gown

To collect the gown, RSU stated that students must present:

• Evidence of payment of acceptance fee and other mandatory charges
• Two recent passport photographs
• A printed copy of the online admission letter, plus a valid residential address and phone number

Those are the listed items; students should go with the full set (missing one item can delay collection).

Deadline for return of academic gowns

RSU set a strict deadline for gown return. Matriculating students must return their gowns:

• On or before Friday, 30 Jan 2026

That deadline applies to all matriculating students; it is not optional.

Penalty for late return (N5,000 per day)

For any default after the deadline, RSU stated a penalty of:

• N5,000 per day, applicable for up to one week after the deadline

A day-by-day penalty can pile up quickly; students should plan return early, not late.

After one week: portal deactivation and reopening fee

RSU added a further step after one week of default:

• The student's portal will be deactivated
• The portal can only be reopened after payment of a non-negotiable N10,000 penalty fee

The notice described the N10,000 as fixed; it is not presented as a negotiable charge.

Note from the university

The ceremony marks the formal induction of new students into the RSU community. The management also wished matriculants a pleasant and peaceful ceremony.

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