Monday, 25th – Friday, 29th August 2025
The University of Port Harcourt experienced a week filled with academic milestones, community partnerships, recognitions, and student achievements. From curriculum reviews to national awards and international sporting victories, the week under review reflects the University’s steady commitment to excellence, innovation, and community service.
The week began with the receipt of the updated 2025 Academic Brief, a comprehensive compendium containing programmes, curricula, governance structures, and the academic calendar of faculties, institutes, and centres. The Academic Brief serves as a vital reference document for staff, regulators, and stakeholders such as NUC, TetFund, and the Federal Ministry of Education. The University commended Prof. Eucharia Nwaichi, Director of Academic Planning, and her team for producing this detailed guide.
Equally significant was the commencement of second semester and end-of-session examinations across the University. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, monitored the exercise and confirmed that examinations were proceeding smoothly, with staff and students conducting themselves in line with laid-down regulations. Students were reminded that “sign-out” without project defense does not constitute an official exit from the University. The Committee of Provosts and Deans (CPD) also met to consider the outcome of the 2025/2026 Post-UTME exercise, approving a general cut-off score of 120 after a comprehensive review of the performance analysis.
The University welcomed a delegation from the Nigeria Association of Pharmacists in Academia (NAPA) on a thank-you visit after the successful hosting of their 25th Scientific Annual Conference. An Award of Appreciation was presented to Management in recognition of UniPort’s support. Members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) also visited the University, engaging in discussions on collaboration to combat drug abuse, cultism, and other vices. A Certificate of Partnership was presented by Amb. Voke Emore, Chairman of Rivers State PCRC, under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.
In a bid to bridge the gap between town and gown, the Entrepreneurial Centre partnered with Winners Chapel Church to train selected youths in skill acquisition programmes aimed at career development and entrepreneurship. A joint team from TetFund and NUC also toured UniPort’s facilities to assess suitability for academic interventions, with Management commending the professionalism displayed throughout the exercise. The University further joined the Catholic Chaplaincy, Chapel of Annunciation, to receive Most Rev. Patrick Eluke on his Bishopric visit, during which prayers were offered for continued progress and unity.
Prof. Ibisime Etela of the Faculty of Agriculture won the Senate election as Representative in Council, replacing Prof. Chukwudi Onyeaso, now Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration). Team UniPort celebrated another international victory as Christabel Amakuro clinched a bronze medal in Taekwondo at an international championship where she represented Nigeria.
The University community also celebrated philanthropy as Engr. OluwaMuyiwa Nelson Kosile expanded his scholarship programme from 50 to 100 students, covering tuition and upkeep for the 2025/2026 session. The School of Public Health presented a Platinum Award to Management in recognition of institutional support, while the 2020/2021 students of the Department of Education Psychology, Guidance and Counselling honored the Vice Chancellor with a Certificate of Recognition as Best Student-Friendly VC.
The Department of Nursing Science emerged Best Performing Department in the professional examination conducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, drawing commendations from the University. In the same week, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) conveyed a letter of commendation and notice of Outstanding Merit Award to the University in recognition of its efforts toward advancing student welfare.
On the academic front, the University hosted the 2nd Annual International Conference of the Department of Educational Foundation with the theme “Harnessing Innovations for Sustainable Future,” attracting distinguished participants from diverse fields. The Faculty of Management Sciences also held its 28th Public Lecture, delivered by Prof. Ikechukwu Francis Asiegbu on “Robust Business Health: Cardinal Instrumentals and Vital Consummatory.”
The College of Health Sciences organized a send-forth ceremony for Prof. I. M. Siminialayi, immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor (R&D), and Prof. Angela I. Frank-Briggs, immediate Past Provost, where staff and friends paid glowing tributes to their service. Discussions were also held on solar power distribution to UPTH and host communities, with optimism expressed on imminent commissioning and rollout.
The week ended on a high note, with Management appreciating the roles played by staff across designated units in ensuring smooth execution of programmes and events. The University of Port Harcourt continues to consolidate its reputation as a hub of academic excellence, student-centered leadership, and impactful community engagement.
