On Friday, 12th September 2025, Rivers State University (RSU) hosted the third edition of its flagship mentoring initiative, the Distinguished Alumni Mentoring Series, under the theme “The Audacity to Start: Risk, Resilience and Reward.” The event, held at the Dr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike Senate Building, brought together students, faculty, and alumni for an afternoon of inspiration, reflection, and renewed purpose. Cinfores Limited was honored to be at the heart of this transformative gathering.
Delivering the keynote address was our Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Asawo Ibifuro, a proud RSU alumnus whose journey embodies the very spirit of the theme. He took the audience back 21 years to a defining moment when four final-year students of RSU dared to dream. With no office, no capital, and no connections—only conviction—they laid the foundation for what would become Cinfores Limited. Today, that fragile beginning has grown into Nigeria’s leading ICT solutions provider, with seven directors and over 150 staff members.
Mr. Ibifuro emphasized that resilience, courage, and determination are not optional traits but essential ingredients for success. He shared that the early setbacks faced by the founding team were not roadblocks but defining lessons that shaped the company’s culture and enduring legacy. His story served as a powerful reminder to students that bold beginnings, no matter how uncertain, can evolve into legacies that transform generations.
In line with our commitment to giving back and nurturing the next generation, Cinfores unveiled a suite of student-focused initiatives during the event. These include a $10,000 entrepreneurship programme designed to support student-led start-ups, 40 internship slots—20 for undergraduates and 20 for graduates—and a final-year employability and entrepreneurship course aimed at preparing students for life beyond graduation. We also announced continued capacity-building through the Cinfores Creative Academy (CCA), in partnership with RSU’s Innovation Hub, to foster innovation and practical skills among students.
Further strengthening our collaboration with RSU, we introduced two forward-looking projects: an AI-powered case brief system developed in partnership with the Faculty of Law, and a diagnostic software tool co-created with the College of Medicine. These initiatives are designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, bringing real-world innovation into the classroom and research labs.
The event also featured reflections from other Cinfores co-founders, who shared the core values that have sustained the company for over two decades. Dr. Ikechi Nwogu, Director of Finance and People Operations, spoke about the importance of faith, mutual respect, and selflessness in building a resilient organization. Mrs. Ala Atedoghu, Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the power of creating impact even in uncertain times, encouraging students to lead with purpose and empathy.
University leadership expressed deep appreciation for the contributions of Cinfores to RSU and beyond. Professor B. B. Fakae, former Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the occasion, commended the vision of the founders, noting that many of the ICT systems built during his tenure remain in use today. Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi, the current Vice Chancellor, pledged to deepen alumni collaborations as a catalyst for curriculum renewal and research innovation, recognizing the value of industry partnerships in shaping the future of education.
As the event drew to a close, one message stood tall: the story of Cinfores is more than a corporate success—it is a call to courage. It is a testament to what is possible when vision meets resilience, and when purpose is pursued with unwavering commitment. The RSU Distinguished Alumni Mentoring Series continues to remind students that with determination and boldness, even the most audacious dreams can have a lasting impact.
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