The 10th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Chike Princewill Chike, Pays Historic Familiarisation Visits to Host Communities
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Chike Princewill Chike, has successfully conducted a series of strategic familiarisation visits to the university’s primary host communities. Accompanied by principal officers of the university, the tour was designed to reinforce longstanding partnerships, foster mutual understanding, and pave the way for enhanced institutional and community collaboration.
Professor Chike gave the assurance on Saturday, September 12, 2026, during the visits to the palaces of the traditional rulers of Aluu, Choba, and Akpor Kingdoms. The historic outing formed part of his ongoing engagement with critical stakeholders and marked his formal introduction to the monarchs as the University’s 10th Vice-Chancellor.
Explaining the vision behind the tour, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the visits were intended to deepen mutual understanding, sustain cordial relations, and create a stronger platform for collaboration. He emphasized that his administration will work closely with traditional institutions to identify their concerns, understand the challenges confronting the communities, and explore practical ways of addressing issues of mutual interest for sustainable development.
The extensive engagement brought the university leadership face-to-face with the traditional custodians of the land, addressing specific community dynamics at each stop.
Enhancing Synergy with Aluu Kingdom
The familiarisation tour included a high-profile courtesy call to the Nyenweali of Aluu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Eze Chima Okpara. The interactive session provided a vital opportunity for both the university management and the leadership of Aluu to deliberate on shared interests. Both parties emphasized the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship, recognizing the symbiotic connection between the university’s growth and the development of its host kingdom.
Strategic Dialogues and Pledges at Choba Kingdom
Taking the community outreach further, the Vice-Chancellor and his team visited His Royal Highness, Eze Raymond Webilor Okocha, the Nyenweali of Choba Kingdom. During the visit, the traditional ruler presented a series of community-centered requests to the university administration. Responding to the monarch, Professor Chike assured the Choba leadership that their requests would be given due and deliberate consideration. He firmly pledged the university’s continuous commitment to expanding and strengthening the existing bilateral ties with the Choba kingdom.
Historic Milestone Celebrated at Akpor Kingdom
The familiarisation tour also featured a memorable visit to the palace of His Royal Majesty, Eze Amb. Levi Ozowunwu Amos Orlu Oriebe, JP, the Nye We Ali Akpor. The visit carried immense historic weight, as the Royal Majesty expressed great delight and pride in the appointment of an Ikwerre son as Vice-Chancellor, a milestone achieved 50 years after the establishment of the university. In response, Professor Chike expressed gratitude for the warm reception and pledged a deeply structured, collaborative partnership with Akpor and all host communities to ensure lasting mutual prosperity.
By intentionally engaging the traditional leadership of Aluu, Choba, and Akpor, the UniPort management has firmly re-established a progressive framework for peace, shared development, and cross-cultural unity between the “town and gown.”
