The Canadian government has expressed interest in partnering with the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)
Representatives of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) met with members of a Canadian delegation to discuss potential research collaborations and academic exchange programmes.
The meeting, which was held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, formed part of a courtesy visit to UNIPORT by Her Excellency Dr. Mila Nwachukwu, Canada’s Honorary Consul in Nigeria.
According to a statement posted on Vice Chancellor Prof. Owunari Georgewill’s official social media handle, the two sides explored “possible collaborations with Canadian institutions in areas of research, staff and students exchanges amongst other possibilities”.
Prof. Georgewill’s statement praised Professor Onyee Nwankpa, a Nigerian-Canadian music professor at UNIPORT, for facilitating the visit and laying the groundwork for cooperation.
In his post, the VC emphasised that the discussions covered joint research projects and the establishment of staff and student exchange programmes between UNIPORT and Canadian universities. He said the visit reflected a “deliberate effort to foster mutual understanding” and to identify concrete avenues for academic partnership.
Starreporters gathered that Dr. Mila Nwachukwu was appointed as Canada’s Honorary Consul in early 2023. In her diplomatic role, she represents Canadian interests in the region and seeks to promote bilateral ties in education, trade and culture. During the UNIPORT visit, Dr. Nwachukwu and her team expressed interest in collaborating on joint research grants, scholarships, and faculty development programmes with the university’s academics.
Although no specific agreements were signed at the meeting, officials say the talks set the stage for future agreements. Prof. Georgewill noted that the preliminary discussions would lead to the preparation of formal agreements on the issues raised.