THIS WEEK IN RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

The following events took place from Monday 23rd to Friday 27th June, 2025

1. In recognition of the critical roles host communities play in providing enabling academic environment and as strategic partners of the University of Port Harcourt, the Vice-Chancellor – Prof. O.A. Georgewill, the Chairmen and members of the 50th Anniversary Committee/ 35th Convocation Committee paid a courtesy visit to the Nyewe-Ali Choba, HRM Eze Webilor Raymond Okocha and his Council of Chiefs to formally inform and seek their active participation in the series of events lined up for the celebration of our 50th Anniversary and 35th Convocation. We were warmly received and assured of active participation of the good people of Choba. The team also visited the Nyewe-Ali of Aluu Clan HRM Okpara Godpower and his council of Chiefs on the mission.
2. In preparation for the JAMB Policy Meeting scheduled to hold on the 8th of July, 2025, we held an emergency meeting of the Committee of Provost and Deans (CPD) to discuss and analyse the performance of first choice candidates who chose the University of Port Harcourt at the just concluded UTME exercise. The decision of CPD will help guide the policy decision of JAMB in arriving at a national cut-off during the scheduled policy meeting.
3. As part of the transformation agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration targeted towards the reduction in Not in Education, Not in Employment, Not in Training (NEET) , the Career Services intervention Centre established by TetFund in the University of Port Harcourt in collaboration with Nestle foods company organized a one-day career talks session to train our students on how to be industry ready and self-reliant. Resource persons from Nestle Nigeria and Ghana converged at the University of Port Harcourt to provide support for skills development.
4. We received a Team from the Federal Ministry of Education led by Mr. Onu as they are at the University to assess the level of compliance with presidential white paper report. The team in the course of carrying out the assigned task interacted with the University Management and directors of different units .
5. “In moments that separates life from death – silence kills and inactions cost lives” was the central truth advanced by the 200th Inaugural Lecturer, Prof. Adedamola Onyeaso as she delivered a well crafted topic “Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Nigeria: Being your Neighbour’s Keeper” where she underscored the contributions of her research for the good of all. The Lecturer called for concerted effort from all stakeholders and increased awareness in Bystander CPR across Nigerian universities.
6. As a way of strengthening our all-inclusive policy and protecting the place of a women across all layers of the University, we received the Report of the Gender Policy Committee headed by Prof. Heoma Nsirim-Worlu and commended them for the thoroughness in discharging the assignment and bequeathing to the University an updated Gender Policy document.
7. It was indeed a solemn moment as members of the University community, family and friends gathered at the Secial Convocation in honour of late Prof. Onyeamachi Udumukwu, a renowned Professor of English and a Fullbright scholar. Prof. Udumukwu was such a dedicated staff member who served as the Chairman of University of Port Harcourt Senate Business Committee until his demise. In bidding him farewell, we encouraged the family to find solace in the accomplished life that Prof. Udumukwu lived. May his soul continue to rest in peace.
8. The University of Port Harcourt is at it again, from the United Kingdom to China, China to Germany, Germany to Romania and now the United States. The University continues to leverage on Exchange and Linkage programmes to broaden the scope of both staff and students. We are happy to report that two of our students – Izuchukwu Augustine and Duke Chijiamaka have both departed for the United States on a fully funded Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) student leadership programme sponsored by the U.S. Department of State to nurture emerging leaders.
9. We formally inaugurated the 35th Convocation Committee and charged them with the responsibility of planning and executing all activities related to the Convocation Ceremony. The Committee is chaired by the Deputy Vice-chancellor (Academic) Prof. Kingsley I. Owete.
10. We participated in the pre-mobilization training for all final year students of the University, organized by the Student Affairs Department of the University in conjunction with the National Youth Service Corps. The exercise had staff of the NYSC and key desk officers in the Student Affairs Department address frequently asked questions.
11. As part of our goal to improve service delivery, the University Management in conjunction with the Quality Assurance and Quality Control Unit of the University held a one-day interactive session with Provost and deans, directors of centres, heads of units amongst others to evaluate staff attitude to work and the Servicom framework for improvement.
12. We held a crucial meeting with Management staff of the University Business School and the School of Graduate Studies to discuss and resolve some pertinent issues to reposition both schools to be more effective and efficient.
13. We received an Award of appreciation from the Nigerian Institute of Physics in recognition of our immense contributions to the Institute.

Thank you all for the roles you played during the week under review
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