TWO WEEKS RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

The following events took place from Monday 30th June to Friday 11th July, 2025

1. The Vice-chancellor, Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill led a delegation from the University of Port Harcourt to the University of Bonn, Germany in continuation of collaborative meetings between both institutions. It would be recalled that a delegation from the Bonn University had visited us with a proposal for the establishment of Centre of Dependency and Slave Studies at the University of Port Harcourt. We held series of meetings and engagements with relevant stakeholders at the Bonn University whilst being treated to very warmth reception by our host.
2. The University of Port Harcourt was at spotlight again as Prof. Kalu Wosu, Director of Confucius Centre was selected to present a report on behalf of all delegates from other Nigerian universities at a Conference in China.
3. At the 19th Valedictory Senate Session and 487th meeting of Senate, the University of Port Harcourt celebrated retired professors who attained the mandatory retirement age of 70 years. Members of the Senate paid glowing tributes to the retirees in appreciation for their dedication and long years of meritorious service to the University. The valedictorians include: Profs. Joseph A. Ajienka, Philomena E. Ejele, Gideon O. Abu, Lawrence Ohale, Bridget Nwanze, Nwadiuto A. Akani, Nwafor A. Chumere, Chris I. Akani, Ekanem C. Wokoma and Henry N. Ozuru.
4. The Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), University of Port Harcourt held a one-day workshop targeted towards the enhancement of SIWES administration, supervision and evaluation. The well attended event had members of the University Management, concerned members of staff and some students as participants.
5. The University Management received a delegation from HYPREP and the International Agency on Cancer Research to discuss possible research collaborations with the University on public health effects of oil pollution particularly with the case of Ogoniland.
6. Professor Uzoma D. Chima led team was selected by the Higher Education Foundation for human capacity development after a rigorous and highly competitive online selection process. We received the news with joy and urged the team from the University of Port Harcourt to be good ambassadors in their engagement at the program.
7. The Nigeria Medical Association, Rivers State Chapter led by her State Chairman paid a courtesy visit in the University. We held fruitful discussions with the Association on issues peculiar with her members in the University.
8. It was all moments of joy and celebration as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria inducted 106 young medical doctors and dentists into the noble profession. The newly qualified doctors having scaled through the learning and clinical processes pledged to the Hippocratic oath administered to them. The University Management charged the newly qualified medical doctors and dentists to uphold the sacredness of the oath and strive to be good ambassadors of the University.
9. Also, the Registrar of the Nigeria Institute of Science Laboratory Technology admitted the newly qualified Lab. Technologist from the School of Science Laboratory Technology (SSLT). The Induction Ceremony had five students emerge as first class graduands. We congratulated the Institute and commended the Ag. Dean, SSLT and his team for their commitment. At the event, an Award of Excellence was presented to the University Management in recognition of our continued support to the School.
10. In recognition of the enormous role staff training play in the attainment of institutional mandate, we nominated some members of staff for TetFund sponsored training in capacity development. We are hopeful that their training will contribute to the value chain of the University.
11. The University of Port Harcourt commences registration for Post-Utme exercise as part of the requirement for admission into undergraduate programmes for the 2025/2026 academic session. It may be recalled that JAMB at its policy meeting adopted a minimum of 150 as 2025 UTME national minimum score. All applicants who chose the University as first choice can obtain the form nationwide via the University website www.uniport.edu.ng
12. The process for the commencement of the building of Engineering Innovation Centre received a boost as the bidding process was conducted by the NLNG. Contractors are expected to mobilize to site upon completion of the bidding process.
13. We also received an Award from the College of Health Sciences in appreciation of our continued support in ensuring the smooth functioning of the College.
14. The Inaugural Meeting of the Petroleum Trust Development Fund Professorial Chair on Gas was held at the University to officially launch the tenure of Prof. Boniface Oriji as the new Chair Occupant. Members of the Board considered the work plan and budget and made appropriate decisions.
15. Cyphercresent commences the construction of the Energy Technology Institute building. We visited the site of the ongoing construction and we are hopeful that at completion, the facility will provide critical support to research, teaching and learning in the University.
16. We received members of staff and students of the Wigwe University on a tour of faculty facilities and engagement with members of staff of the University of Port Harcourt. We remain committed to mentoring the new university and deepen areas of collaboration.

We appreciate the roles you all played at your various designated units during the weeks under review.

Do have a great weekend.

Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill,
KSC, FRSB (London), FFS, FIIA, FIRSC, FIIA, FHISC, DFCHITMA
Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt.
6th June, 2025