Energy expert and global sustainability advocate Dr Justice O. Derefaka will deliver the keynote address at the 5th edition of the Distinguished Alumni Mentoring Series (DAMS) to be hosted by Rivers State University as part of efforts to strengthen alumni engagement and promote institutional sustainability.

The mentoring programme, which brings accomplished alumni together with students and members of the academic community, is designed to provide inspiration, mentorship and strategic dialogue on the future of the university and higher education.

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This year’s edition is themed “Alumni Capital as Strategic Infrastructure: Re-engineering Institutional Sustainability for Governance, Growth and Global Relevance,” and will focus on how universities can leverage the influence, expertise and networks of their alumni to drive governance reforms, institutional growth, innovation and global relevance.

Derefaka, a distinguished alumnus of the university, is expected to draw from his experience in the energy sector and global sustainability initiatives to outline how alumni networks can serve as strategic assets in strengthening universities and supporting long-term development.

The event is being hosted under the leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Isaac Zeb-Obipi, and will feature contributions from prominent academics including Justin M. O. Gabriel and Bright Opara.

Distinguished guests expected at the programme include Nollywood actor Ramsey Nouah and Perekebina Kimia Berezi.

The mentoring session is aimed at inspiring students, deepening alumni participation in the affairs of the university and reinforcing the institution’s commitment to vision-driven leadership, mentorship and sustainable institutional development.

The event is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Dr Nyesom Ezenwo Wike Senate Building at the Nkpolu-Oroworukwo campus in Port Harcourt, where alumni, students and university stakeholders are expected to gather for a dialogue on leadership, mentorship and strategic collaboration.