The University of Port Harcourt has received advanced engineering research equipment donated by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI), under the Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
The institution was selected to represent the South-South geopolitical zone in a nationwide initiative involving six universities across Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, announced the development on his official social media handle, stating that the donation would significantly enhance engineering research and innovation at the university.
“On behalf of the University of Port Harcourt, the management, seniors, staff, and students, we express our sincere appreciation to the DG, Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, and Professor Samson Duna for this kind gesture,” he said.
He confirmed that seven sets of equipment had been delivered in full and that training, calibration, and installation were already underway.
“We are indeed very glad that for the South-South geopolitical zone, the University of Port Harcourt was considered for this initiative. Today, you are here to calibrate, install, and train people on how to use these wonderful facilities. We pledge that these items will be put to appropriate use, protected, and maintained, to ensure that humanity ultimately benefits from this donation,” he added.
The Vice Chancellor also urged the Faculty of Engineering to ensure proper handling and sustainability of the equipment to fulfil the intended goals of the gesture.
The donation forms part of a federal strategy to promote technological advancement and capacity building in universities across Nigeria.