The University of Port Harcourt has highlighted several key events and milestones between April 22 and May 2, 2025, noting its sustained dedication to academic excellence, student advancement, and institutional progress.
According to a press release made available to StarReporters, the university held an orientation programme for students participating in the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). The event featured guidance from the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Area Manager and his team, who outlined the training procedures for the 24-week exercise. The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, urged the students to be exemplary ambassadors during their placements.
The university also held a special convocation ceremony in honour of late Professor Francis Chukwuma Anacletus, a professor of medical biochemistry and toxicology, who passed away at the age of 60. The solemn gathering attracted tributes from academic peers and dignitaries who highlighted his distinguished contributions to academia.
Further strengthening its administrative structure, the university conducted elections to replace outgoing internal members of the Governing Council. Professors U.D. Chima, Kelechi Okonta, Chukwudi Onyeaso, and Olufemi Adesope were elected to represent the Senate, while Professor Glory Amadi and Dr. (Mrs.) Caro Nnabuo emerged as a representative from the Congregation.
In anticipation of a reunion by the 1994 graduating set of medical students, university management hosted a delegation from the group. The meeting allowed for reflections on past achievements and discussions about their upcoming reunion and philanthropic contributions to their alma mater.
The University also played an active supervisory role in the recently concluded 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted across Rivers State. The management praised the high level of organisation observed during the examination.
To mark International Procurement Day 2025, the University hosted a symposium on best practices in procurement. The event featured a keynote address from Dr. Adebowale Abraham Adedokun, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and drew participants from procurement departments in tertiary institutions across the South-South region.
Addressing the persistent challenge of power supply, the university reported significant progress on the construction of a solar farm, a project spearheaded by the Federal Government through the Rural Electrification Agency. Once completed, the solar facility is expected to provide 24-hour electricity to the university community, the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, and surrounding areas.
Additionally, the university received a recognition award from Exclusive Magazine Abuja for its contributions to pharmacology and effective university administration.
The press release also disclosed that the Institute of Niger Delta Studies also held an orientation programme for newly admitted postgraduate students, familiarising them with university regulations and encouraging them to pursue academic excellence.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill, appreciated all staff for their roles in facilitating the events and achievements recorded during the period under review.