TWO WEEKS RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

The following events took place in the University from Monday 3rd to Friday 14th November, 2025.

1. The University of Port Harcourt played host to the 66th Meeting of the Committee of Provosts and Deans of Postgraduate Colleges and Schools in Nigerian Universities. The meeting which was well attended by Provosts and Deans across tertiary institutions in Nigeria focused on Strengthening the Relevance of Postgraduate Research in National Development with renowned scholars and industry experts like Prof. Peter Okebukola, Prof. Joseph Ajienka, Prof. Kenneth Nweke and Prof. Cecilia Okoro delivering various aspects of the lecture. We commended the Dean, School of Graduate Studies, Prof. Kinikanwo Anele for attracting such high-profile meeting to the University and wished all participants the very best.

2. Similarly, we hosted the The ASLTON/NILST Conference “RIVERS 2025” and congratulated the body on their 40th Anniversary as we believe that the bond between universities and key professional bodies is a driver of advancement of science and technology in any country.

3. We participated in the 5th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Medical and Dental Specialists Association in Basic Medical Sciences hosted in Akwa Ibom. The Vice-Chancellor Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill, ably represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Prof. Rosemary Ogu delivered the keynote address.

4. In a bid to ensuring the sustainability of African Centre of Excellence as established across selected universities in Africa, the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, National Universities Commission, World Bank and the AFD launched the Africa Centre of Excellence (ACE) Alliance. The alliance is geared towards fostering collaboration and shared impact in the Nigerian university system.

5. The Institute of Niger Delta Studies organized her Maiden Lecture and Induction Ceremony for graduating students into the Institute for Industrial Security. The guest lecturer, Major General E. E. Emekah, the G. O. C. 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt emphasized the place of security in the promotion of blue economy in the Niger Delta. The event had in attendance Prof. J. A. Ajienka as Chairman, Commodore B. M. Sule as Special Guest amongst other highly profile dignitaries.

6. We received Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed of the Federal Road Safety Corps with some senior members of the Corps at the University as the Commission approved a Driving Institute to be coordinated by CELTRAS. We also participated in the national town hall meeting and ember months road safety campaign flag-off ceremony and pledged to encourage research outcomes that will address the high rate of road accidents during the ember months.

7. We were privileged to receive the following awards as token of appreciation by the respective Associations/Institutes in recognition of our continued support to the advancement of education through the respective professional bodies. The awards are -* Special Appreciation Award by the Committee of Provosts and Deans of Postgraduate Colleges and Schools* Appreciation Award by the Association of Science Laboratory Technologists of Nigeria (ASLTON)* Award of Excellence by the Association of Specialist Medical Doctors in Academic* Award of Appreciation by the Institute of Niger Delta Studies.* Award of selfless service by the National Association of Science Laboratory Technology Students.

8. We observed the election of the Graduate Students Association election to elect new executive members to pilot the affairs of the Association for the next one year. Arising from the outcome of the peaceful and credible process, Comrade Samuel Nnamdi Nwali emerged as the President. We charged all elected executives to see their emergence as a call to service.

9. The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University of Port Harcourt Governing Council, Distinguished Senator Moa Ohuabunwa chaired the 189th meeting of the Governing Council. Council considered and approved recommendations from various Council Committees and other matters of urgent importance before it.

10. The Chairman, Vice-Chancellor and other members of Council undertook a working visit to the Centre of Excellence Hotel and Solar Farm Project to ascertain the preparedness of both facilities for commissioning.

11. We are excited to announce that the world class hotel facility built and donated to the University by the Central Bank of Nigeria under the Centre of Excellence projects across selected tertiary institutions is now on doftopeninh. The University of Port Harcourt’s Centre of Excellence JuliRose Hotels and Suites is tastefully furnished with state-of-the-art facilities for the comfort of users.

12. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill participated in the strategic session on Strengthening National Cybersecurity Resilience. The event which was organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser was aimed at engaging critical stakeholders for meaningful collaborations towards cybersecurity education, innovation and capacity development. The VC received and Award from the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, Office of the NSA, in recognition of our dedication towards a safer and more secure digital Nigeria.

13. As part of measures to strengthen our policy on gender inclusivity and mental health, the University Management in partnership with the TAGDev 2.0 Program, RUFORUM and Mastercard Foundation organized a one-day workshop on the implementation of policy. Students and staff participated in the rich discourse.

14. We participated in the webinar on a Mindful Campus: Building Compassionate and Socially Intelligent University Community and paid tribute to the late Emeritus Prof. N.D. Briggs, 5th Vice-Chancellor of the University. The webinar was organized by the Nimi Briggs Professorial Chair of Obstetrics and Gynaecology as part of Mindful-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Study.

15. We received Directors and Heads of Internal Audit Departments/Units on a courtesy visit as the Association commenced the 38th National Meeting/Conference of the Committee of Heads of Internal Audit Department in Nigeria Universities (CHIADINU). The 4-day conference which climaxed with the Association’s AGM and election of new executive had various plenary sessions with a focus on revolutionizing the operation of internal audit. We also delivered the opening remarks at the event and enjoined all the participants to enjoy the unique ambience of the University noting that the Association will be reckoned as part of first users of the 5-star hotel facility of the JuliRose Hotel at the University.

16. We received accreditation teams from the National Universities Commission (NUC) for programmes in Agricultural Economics and AgriBusiness Management, Environmental Education and Agriculture Extension and Development Studies.

17. We were at Isiokpo to attend the funeral service of Pa Godfrey Mmom, the father of Professor Prince Chinedum Mmom, the Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Environment and Technology, Koroma/Sakpenwa. We pray to God for the repose of the soul of Pa Mmom and grant the entire family the fortitude to bear the loss.

18. We received some members of the House of Representative Committee on Tertiary Education.

19. At the Department of Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling, Faculty of Education, we inducted the graduating students into their professional body and encouraged them to uphold their commitment to advancing knowledge for the good of our nation and humanity.

20. We received software donations from MIDAS Research and Development Centre, India through the intervention of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE). The softwares would aid the Faculty of Engineering in areas of Research and Developmental Studies. We appreciate the NSE and MIDAS for the kind gesture and urged the Faculty to optimize use of the software. We appreciate the roles you all played at your various designated units during the weeks 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