TWO WEEKS RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT (5th – 16th May, 2025)

The following events took place from Monday 5th to Friday 16th May, 2025

1. We received a delegation from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) under the leadership of Dr. Samuel Ogbuku to the University to assess the electrical power load needed to effectively power the University Senate Building. Based on this power load assessment, the Commission is set to install a solar system to power the entire Senate Building. We commend the Board and Management of the NDDC for this gigantic intervention.

2. The University of Port Harcourt hosted the 3rd African Biogenome (AfricaBP) Workshop of the Ecological Society of Nigeria. The Conference, aimed at creating and galvanizing both institutions and researchers to take proactive measures at climate change had climate advocates, practitioners, students and academics in attendance from across Africa.

3. We received a copy of the recently amended constitution of the Student Union of the University. The new constitution was presented to the University Management by the President, Comrade Harmony in company of other members of the Executive and Lelegislative arm of the Union.

4. As part of our intentional approach to security of lives and properties within and around the University, we received the new Head of Police operations for the University ACP Izibili and assured him of our continued support for effective policing.

5. We received an Award of recognition from the Central Instrument Laboratory as Iconic Champion of Research and Techprenuer.

6. We participated in the Inauguration Ceremony of the Nigerian Association of Health Educators, Rivers State Chapter held at the Faculty of Education Auditorium and encouraged them to strive to make the chapter a hub of knowledge and pride of other chapters.

7. The University Community gathered for a solemn service in honour of a dedicated colleague, Mr. Emughedi Aselemi who was until his death, a Deputy Registrar serving as the Ag. Director of Establishment. Colleagues spoke glowingly of the work ethics of Mr. Aselemi through his over 30 years of active service at the University. We encouraged the family to find comfort in his endearing legacies.

8. We received the report of the Student Disciplinary Committee as presented to the University Management by the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. G. Ogbonna. We appreciated the Committee for their robust recommendations.

9. We held interviews for qualified members of staff in the Administrative and Technical cadre of the University. The promotion exercise is part of our commitment towards building a motivated workforce.

10. Worthwhile International Collaborations are key to the internationalization of universities globally. Hence, we received the delegates from the Canadian Embassy led by the Honorary Consul of Canada in Nigeria, Her Excellency Dr. Mila as we held robust discussions on possible areas of collaborations with Canadian institutions in areas of research, staff and students exchange and linkage programmes. We are grateful to Prof. Onye Nwankpa, a renowned scholar and professor of Music for facilitating the proposed partnership.

11. It was indeed a show of scholarship as Professor Nene Jamabo of the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences mounted the rostrum as the 198th Inaugural Lecturer and presented a breath-taking lecture on “Embracing the New Lifestyle”.

12. We are always unique for a reason: Once again, we received the cheering news of the outstanding performance of Mr. Chinemerem Ukwukah who emerged as the overall winner of the individual category of the 2025 National Campus Challenge. In clinching this coveted position, Mr. Chinemerem defeated other competitors from several other universities to emerge as champion.

13. As part of the familiarization visit of the Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to institutions across the South-South, we received a delegation from TETFund for a meeting, where we made brief presentation of ongoing TetFund projects, including content-based interventions highlighting progress and challenges.

14. We were conferred with the *Future-Forward Leadership Award* from the Nigerian Association of Health Educators, Rivers State Chapter in recognition of our contributions to Health Education in Nigeria.

15. We received the representative of the Vice-Chancellor of the Rivers State University, Prof. Zac Jeremiah and had fruitful discussions on inter-university collaborations. We commend the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Zeb. Obipi for the initiative of working collaboratively on areas of common interest.

16. As the Ecological Society of Nigeria prepares for her 2025 Annual Conference to be held in the University of Port Harcourt, we received the Local Organizing Committee led by Professor Uzoma D. Chima on a briefing on the state of their preparedness and assured them of our support.

17. We would like to use this medium to appreciate all members University of Port Harcourt Community for their show of love, prayers and gift to honor the Vice-Chancellor, Sir, Alabo, Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill and his twin, Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill on the occasion of their 60th birthday. Your goodwill is deeply appreciated.

Thank you all and do have a great weekend.

Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill, FRSB, FIIA, FWASOT, FCSI, FFs, FWASOP, FECRMI, FIARSA, FIHSC , DFCIHTMA.Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt