The University of Port Harcourt has marked a historic milestone, celebrating 50 years of academic excellence, innovation, and national transformation with a week-long series of events that also coincided with the 35th Convocation Ceremony.
Founded in 1975 as a college and attaining university status in 1977, the University of Port Harcourt has grown into one of Africa’s leading institutions of higher learning. Today, it stands proudly on the global stage, having produced generations of alumni who continue to make remarkable contributions nationally and internationally.
The golden jubilee celebration, which took place from Monday 21st to Sunday 27th July 2025, began with vibrant festivities and ended with a spirit-filled thanksgiving service. Themed around showcasing the university’s impact over five decades, the events reflected a harmonious blend of culture, scholarship, and visionary leadership.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill, led the celebrations and addressed the world press at the Senate building following a campus-wide rally that signaled the beginning of the anniversary. Activities lined up for the week included research exhibitions, alumni homecoming, cultural displays, command performances, awards to staff, convocation lectures, and the conferment of degrees and honorary doctorate awards.
A total of 14,861 graduands were celebrated, with 9,788 earning First Degrees, 2,008 receiving Postgraduate Diplomas, 2,131 awarded Master’s Degrees, and 934 conferred with Doctorates. Departments, institutes, and centres also showcased research innovations at the CBN Centre of Excellence.
The alumni association, led by Senator Darlington Nwokocha, visited to reaffirm their commitment to giving back through strategic development initiatives. One highlight of the celebration was the cultural parade and tree planting ceremony symbolizing growth and environmental responsibility.
The Department of Theatre Arts wowed guests with a masterful command performance, followed by a dinner for first-class graduates hosted by the Vice Chancellor and university leaders. Staff awards were presented by the Pro-Chancellor, Senator Moa Ohuabunwa, to recognize excellence and long-standing service.
Convocation ceremonies spanned two days, with Bayelsa State Governor Senator Douye Diri delivering an inspiring lecture and pledging the construction of staff quarters for the university. The climax came with the official commissioning of the new Convocation Arena, named after Chief Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike.
The ceremony saw the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on four distinguished Nigerians including the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; the Minister of the FCT, Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike; the Chairman of TETFUND, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari; and the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.
These honorees responded with philanthropic gestures. The First Lady donated fifty million naira to the best graduating female students. Chief Wike pledged to fund the construction of a modern Senate Building and endowed academic chairs in Law and Political Science.
The celebration ended with a thanksgiving service led by Apostle Eugene Ogu, who urged the university community to embrace godliness and responsibility in shaping future generations.
The University of Port Harcourt expresses profound appreciation to its Governing Council, Senate, Management, staff, students, alumni, strategic partners, and friends for their unwavering support. As it steps into the next 50 years, Uniport remains committed to its mission of academic excellence, national development, and global relevance.