In a major move to enhance the health and productivity of its workforce, the Management of Rivers State University, Nkpolu Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, has introduced free annual medical checks for all staff members.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, announced the new health initiative during the third edition of the University’s “Walk for Life” health, wellness, and fitness exercise held on Saturday, April 26, 2025.

Professor Zeb-Obipi explained that under the new policy, every staff member will be entitled to a free, comprehensive medical check-up on their birthday.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the health and wellbeing of staff, noting that the initiative covers all employees, even if their birthdays fall on weekends.

 He also expressed confidence in the Health Services Department’s capacity to effectively deliver the service, citing the available manpower and facilities.

To implement the policy, the Vice-Chancellor said the Establishment Division will collaborate with the Health Services Department to compile the birthdays of all staff and send reminders two or three days before each staff member’s birthday.

Highlighting the philosophy behind the policy, Professor Zeb-Obipi stressed the importance of leadership through engagement, describing it as “management by walking the floor.”

He emphasized that effective policies should emerge from direct interaction with employees to better understand and address their needs.

He cited the “Walk for Life” programme as a practical expression of this leadership style, providing an opportunity to engage with the university community and observe the critical need for regular health checks.

He described the walk as a “worthy exercise,” noting that because much of the university’s work is sedentary, regular physical activity is essential to maintaining staff health and productivity.

Professor Zeb-Obipi also pointed out that this month’s “Walk for Life” coincides with World Malaria Week, reinforcing the University’s commitment to global health advocacy with the pledge that “Malaria must end with us.”

Earlier, the Director of the Health Services Department, Dagogo Cookey-Gam, urged the university community to prioritize testing before treatment of malaria.

He advised parents to closely monitor children under five years old, who are especially vulnerable to severe malaria, and cautioned pregnant women to avoid exposure due to lowered immunity.

 Cookey-Gam emphasized that malaria prevention hinges on maintaining a clean environment and the consistent use of mosquito nets.

Also speaking, the Director of the University Sports Unit, Professor Joseph Vipene, commended the Vice-Chancellor for sustaining the monthly “Walk for Life” initiative.

He assured the university community that the programme has become a permanent fixture, positioning Rivers State University as a model for others to follow.