University of Port Harcourt Begins Week-Long Celebration to Mark the Close-Out of Professor Owunari Georgewill’s Administration
The University of Port Harcourt has commenced a week-long programme of activities to celebrate the successful completion of the administration of its 9th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill, KSC, JP, whose five-year tenure has been widely acknowledged for driving institutional transformation, academic excellence, innovation, infrastructural expansion, and strategic growth.
The Close-Out Activities, which began on Monday, 6 July 2026, bring together members of the University community, alumni, partners, and other stakeholders to celebrate an administration that has significantly advanced the University’s vision of becoming a leading institution in teaching, research, innovation, and community service.
To coordinate the events, the Vice-Chancellor constituted a Harmonized Committee on the Close-Out Activities, chaired by Professor Boniface A. Oriji, Director of the Emerald Energy Institute. The Committee was tasked with documenting the achievements of the administration, producing a comprehensive compendium of its accomplishments, organizing a public lecture and book launch, coordinating the close-out events, and ensuring a memorable conclusion to the administration.
The week-long celebration features a variety of activities that reflect the University’s rich culture, heritage, and achievements.
Programme of Activities
Monday, 6 July 2026
Rally and Road Walk
A colourful rally and road walk from Delta Gate to the Senate Building, uniting staff, students, alumni, and friends of the University in a vibrant display of appreciation and institutional pride.
Tuesday, 7 July 2026
Command Performance
A special theatrical presentation titled Footprints in the Sands of Time—a dramatized poetry performance written and directed by Ovunda Ihunwo in honour of Professor Georgewill’s remarkable leadership and legacy.
Wednesday, 8 July 2026
Public Lecture and Book Launch
A landmark event highlighting the administration’s achievements, contributions to higher education, and the University’s continued commitment to excellence.
Thursday, 9 July 2026
Legacy Projects Tour
A guided tour of major projects executed during the administration, including the Bottling Plant, Solar Farm, Legacy Building, Cancer Centre, Philosophy Building, and the Professional Office/Auditorium, showcasing the administration’s enduring impact on the University’s physical and academic landscape.
Friday, 10 July 2026
Free Day
Saturday, 11 July 2026
Sports and Entertainment Day
A Football Tournament at the University Sports Complex, followed by an Evening of Music at the Department of Music Recital Hall, celebrating the University’s sporting and cultural excellence.
Sunday, 12 July 2026
Thanksgiving Service
The week-long celebration will conclude with a Thanksgiving Service at Our Saviour’s Chapel, offering gratitude to God for a successful administration and the continued progress of the University.
The Close-Out Activities honour not only the achievements of Professor Georgewill but also the dedication and collaboration of the Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff, students, alumni, development partners, and friends of the University, whose collective efforts contributed to the remarkable progress recorded over the past five years.
As the University of Port Harcourt celebrates this significant milestone, it also reflects on a legacy of purposeful leadership, institutional resilience, and sustainable development. The Georgewill administration leaves behind a stronger, more innovative, and globally competitive University, with enduring footprints that will continue to inspire future generations of scholars and leaders.
