The University of Port Harcourt has disclosed a series of institutional developments and engagements that have taken place between Monday, April 7th, and Thursday, April 17th, 2025. Starreporters gathered this from a document titled “Two Weeks Retrospect in the University of Port Harcourt” which was shared with correspondents following internal briefings with the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill.
According to the document, one of the key highlights from the two-week period was the high-level stakeholders’ meeting in Ghana, where representatives from across Africa—including ministers of education, World Bank executives, university vice-chancellors, and project leaders—came together to appraise the 10-year impact of the World Bank-supported African Centre of Excellence (ACE) initiative. The programme, which was opened by the President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, provided a forum for evaluating progress and charting sustainable strategies for the continuation of the centres.
Meanwhile, the advocacy for gender equity in leadership also took centre stage during the same period, as female vice-chancellors and researchers from countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Malawi, and Ghana convened to discuss the prospects and barriers to women’s participation in academia. The University of Port Harcourt noted with pride that it has already surpassed the statutory 30% threshold for female involvement in leadership, marking a significant stride in gender inclusion within the Nigerian university system.
On campus, a combined team of journalists from the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) visited the university on a fact-finding mission to assess the impact of the student loan scheme. The university reported a notable increase in student enrollment into the scheme, which has effectively lowered the number of school charges defaulters. The visiting team, led by Mrs. Chichi Umeseaka, was commended for their professionalism throughout the assessment process.
Additionally, the university management received the new Board of Trustees of Our Saviour Chapel. The board lauded the current administration for its visible developmental strides and offered prayers for continued growth and peace within the university community. In the spirit of collaboration and progress, the management expressed best wishes to the new trustees in their ecclesiastical duties.
Efforts to convert academic research into commercially viable solutions also advanced under the Strengthening Institutional Infrastructure for an Innovation Ecosystem (UP-ECOSIN) project. The university affirmed its ongoing commitment to empowering researchers and fostering partnerships with industry players, with a view to transforming the institution into a globally competitive entrepreneurial research hub.
Within administrative circles, the university’s principal officers convened to deliberate on operational strategies for institutional efficiency. Prof. Georgewill expressed gratitude to the management team for their cooperation and unity in driving the university’s mission forward.
As preparations gear up for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the university collaborated with JAMB to conduct a mock examination to evaluate the readiness of examination centres and digital infrastructure. Prof. Georgewill, who also serves as a Member and Chief External Examiner, personally visited selected centres in Rivers State to inspect compliance and operational readiness.
On a separate front, representatives of the University of Port Harcourt took part in a symposium organized by the Nigerian Patriots on the theme “Integrity is Everything.” The event, facilitated by the Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ), featured the conferment of awards to deserving personalities. The university extended special commendation to Prof. Ibisime Etela for his exemplary representation during the programme.
The University also played host to a four-man delegation of experts on electrical power from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). The team was on ground to evaluate the university’s current electricity needs, in anticipation of providing supplementary infrastructure support. With the university’s solar power initiative already at an advanced stage, this TETFund intervention was described as timely and commendable. The Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, for including UNIPORT in the project scope.
The academic community also held its 421st Committee of Provost and Deans (CPD) meeting, where stakeholders harmonized and approved the academic calendars for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 sessions. Likewise, at the 8th Annual Conference of the Department of Educational Management, Faculty of Education, university leadership urged a balanced approach between technological innovation and the preservation of cultural education, acknowledging the faculty’s efforts in promoting scholarly discourse.
In another show of administrative engagement, newly converted staff members who successfully passed through internal conversion interviews paid a courtesy visit to the university management. The converted staff expressed gratitude and pledged renewed commitment in their newly designated roles, strengthening the internal workforce with fresh energy.
Preparations are also underway for the university’s celebration of World Laboratory Day, scheduled for April 23rd and 24th, 2025. The Central Instrument Library Unit is spearheading the event, and the Director of the Centre, along with her team, held strategic discussions with the management to ensure a successful celebration that aligns with global standards.
In the agricultural sector, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, accompanied by senior faculty members, visited the university management to share their readiness for the forthcoming Organic Agriculture Professionals Conference. Discussions during the visit were described as productive and forward-looking.
The retrospective period closed with the 77th Congregation of the University, held at the New Convocation Arena on Thursday, April 17th, 2025. Members of the academic community turned out in large numbers to vote for their representatives into the Governing Council, boards, and committees of the University. Professors Glory Amadi and Dr. Caroline Nnabuo emerged as the newly elected representatives in the Governing Council, alongside other newly elected officials for various roles.
The report indicated the University of Port Harcourt’s commitment to academic excellence, institutional innovation, and inclusive governance.
The Vice-Chancellor extended appreciation to all staff and stakeholders for their dedicated service and wished the entire university community a restful weekend.