THIS WEEK IN RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT (14th – 18th December, 2025)

The following events took place in the University from Sunday 14th-Thursday 18th December, 2025

1. The 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Adult Christmas Party marked the fifth and final celebration of its kind under the tenure of the 9th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill. The impressive turnout was a powerful expression of goodwill and a clear affirmation of the shared sense of purpose that has defined his administration.

2. The 20th Valedictory Senate Session of the University was held to honour Professors who had attained the statutory retirement age of 70 years. The University expressed its deep appreciation for their many years of dedicated service and wished them a happy, fulfilling retirement in good health.
3. We received members of the Department of Economics, led by the Head of Department, Professor Ezaal Okowa and a portrait was presented to us in recognition of our continued support for the Department.
4. We received Professor Walter Ihejirika and other members of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies on a courtesy visit to the University Management. During the visit, we were presented with the award of “Father of Communication and Media Studies in UNIPORT” in recognition of our role in sustaining the University’s visibility through social media engagements and our support for the newly established Faculty.
5. The first-ever University of Port Harcourt Rivers Assembly Cultural Fiesta was organized to celebrate the vibrant and diverse cultural heritage of staff and students from Rivers State. We applaud the organizers and leaders for this initiative, which once again showcased the warmth and hospitality characteristic of the people of Rivers State
6. Similarly, the Ikwerre ethnic group, “Iwhuruohna,” rolled out the drums to celebrate their distinctive identity and culture. We were delighted by the vibrant cultural displays, entertained and joined in dancing to their traditional music, and finally treated to a sumptuous spread of Iwhuruohna delicacies.
7. We joined the Management and staff of Ashgrove Academy as they celebrated their end of year get-together. We commend the Acting Director, Dr. Nkoyo Ntuen, for fostering an environment that allowed members of the School to reflect and celebrate the year, especially in light of the Academy being recognized by JUPEB as one of the top performers in the 2025 examinations.
8. We are pleased to report that designated hostels have been handed over for rehabilitation, with the goal of making our hostel facilities more comfortable and conducive for living
9. We received the Judicial Arm of the University of Port Harcourt Student Union led by the Chief Judge and congratulated them on their victory at the polls, we charged them to ensure fairness is employed in all matters that may be presented to them.
10. We were honored with an Award of Excellence by the Senior Staff Club Excos led by Dr. Josiah Hart, in recognition of our exceptional leadership and valuable contributions to the Club.
11. The MasterCard/RUFORUM-sponsored TAGDev 2.0 training initiative has begun empowering youths with essential 21st-century skills. We commended the Coordinator, Professor Ibisime Etela, and other resource persons for their expertly delivered training sessions.
12. We commend the Registrar, Dr. (Mrs.) Gloria O. Chindah, and the 14th Registry Day Committee for presenting a remarkable portrait to the Vice-Chancellor, in recognition of the ongoing support of the University Management for the Registry Arm.
13. We received the Vicar, Rev. Canon Chukwujekwu Okoli, and some members of St. Nicholas Anglican Church, who joined us in giving thanks to God and offered prayers for us in preparation for the year 2026.
14. We presented Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certificates to students who successfully completed rigorous courses and training at the AWS Academy. We commended the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Dr. Daniel Ekpa for their guidance and mentorship, which contributed to the success of the eleven (11) students
15. Letters of Scholarship Award were presented to one hundred (100) students who are beneficiaries of the Engr. Gesi Asamaowei Scholarship Scheme. It is interesting to mention that Engr. Gesi Asamaowei was a former Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University of Port Harcourt Governing Council. We urged our students to utilize the opportunity given.
16. In recognition of our exceptional support and commitment to academic excellence, the Faculty of Agriculture conferred on us the Academic Trailblazer Award. We commend the Dean and the Faculty’s management team for their consistent dedication to upholding and advancing the ideals of the University.
17. The Vice-Chancellor presented the newly purchased official cars to the three (3) deputy Vice-Chancellors, Bursar and the University Librarian.

We appreciate the roles you all played at your various designated units 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