University of Port Harcourt

Community Service

 

History, Vision, Mission and Achievements of the Unit

 

From the inception of the university, the University of PortHarcourt recognized the important role a balanced educational system can play in providing the link between town and gown. Consequently, at the first seating of the provisional Senate of the University College, PortHarcourt, held at the residence of the Principal, Professor Donald E. U. Ekong on the 29th of October, 1976, Senate considered the proposal by the joint Board of the then Schools of Humanities, Social Studies and Educational Studies on the need to establish a committee on National Self-reliance. The focus of this committee was to involve both staff and students of the University College in the problems of the urban and rural communities through practical participation in community service as an integral part of the school curriculum. Senate therefore set up an ad hoc committee to prepare a work programme for consideration. The committee members were Professor E. J. Alagoa (Chairman), Dr. R. A. Odihirin, Mr. C. B. Powell, Dr. (Mrs.) A. I. Spiff and one person each from the Schools of Humanities, Social Studies and Educational Studies. Consequently, at the second meeting of Senate held on the 5th of January 1977, the programme was re-designate as “Community Service Field Courses”. It was also decided at the same meeting that the programme shall be an integral part and an essential requirement for all degree programmes and will be credit earning. The programme is planned so as to instill the dignity of labour in the minds of the students. Each academic department has a Representative who works directly with the students to identify possible projects to be undertaken by such department. Such identified project proposals are forwarded to the Central Community Service Board through the faculty Coordinators for consideration and approval. Since then the unit has undergone several transformations under various directors until its present form. Some of these past directors include: Dr. J. A. Adeyinka (1987 - 1989); Dr. S. Ekpenyong (1989 - 1991); Dr. A. N. Gbosi (1991 - 1993); Dr. Arthur Nwafor (1994 - 1998); Dr. E. S. Akama (1999 - 2006); Dr. E. C. Emasealu (2006 - 2010). Activities and achievements of the unit have been in the form of (i) Construction:- Bus-stop, Interlocking concrete Car park, Street sign boards, Notice boards, Instructional boards, Concrete Benches and Concrete Walkway. (ii) Donations:- Hot/cold water dispensers, Public Address systems, certificates and plaques, desktop computers, cable network television and Air conditioners. (iii) Painting:- University fence walls, trees and concrete kerbs along Unipark roads. (iv) Farming:- Planting of ornamental trees and flowers, establishment of pineapple orchards, plantain plantation and vegetable farm. (iv) Sanitation:- Clearing of refuse dumps and drainages, filling of potholes, cleaning of market places, offices and public places. (v) Community enlightenment campaigns on civic responsibility, girl-child education, modern day slavery, militancy, HIV/AIDS pandemic, stress management and personal hygiene; free health services on breast cancer and testicular self examination, de-worming, blood pressure, blood sugar, blood group and genotype. All these activities are now concentrated within the surrounding communities of Aluu Clan, Alakahia, Choba and recently Rumualogu and Rumuokparali.    

 

 Professor Anthony S. Ekine; B. Sc. (Hons.), Ile-Ife; M. Sc. (ABU); Ph. D. (Applied Geophysics), UNN, is the current Director of the Central Community Service Unit. Before his appointment he has served the university in various capacities which include: Member, University of PortHarcourt Sports Council, 1983 - 1985; Team Manager / Coach, University of PortHarcourt Hockey Team, 1983 -1985 and 1990 – 1997; Chairman, University of PortHarcourt Time-Table Committee, 1983 - 1985; Hall Warden, New-Undergraduate / Amino Kano / Nelson Mandela Halls, Oct., 1990 – Nov. 1997; Chairman, Senate Committee on Science Laboratory Technology Programme, University of PortHarcourt, Feb. 1992 - Sept. 1995. Acting Head, Department of Physics, University of PortHarcourt, PortHarcourt, Oct. 1997 – Sept. 1999.

 

 

Miss Ifeoma Onyige; B. Sc. (Mass Comm.), RUST, is an Administrative Officer in the unit.