CHRONICLES FROM THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE (21st July- 1st August, 2025)

1. Faculty Showcases Innovation at 50th Anniversary Exhibition
   The Faculty of Science actively participated in the innovation exhibition held from 21st to 24th July 2025 at the CBN Centre of Excellence, as part of activities marking the University of Port Harcourt’s 50th Anniversary Celebration and 35th Combined Convocation. The Faculty’s innovations were prominently showcased, drawing attention to the impactful research and creative outputs from various departments. We sincerely appreciate the Faculty Innovation Committee, ably led by Prof. Uche Chukwu of the Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, for successfully organizing and presenting the Faculty’s contributions.
2. Faculty Engagement in TAGDEV 2.0 and RUFORUM Mission
   Several members of the Faculty participated in the Transforming African Agricultural Universities to Meaningfully Contribute to Africa’s Growth and Development (TAGDEV 2.0) program, held during the RUFORUM Executive Mission to the University of Port Harcourt from 21st to 23rd July, 2025.
3. PSB Department Participates in BOSON 2025 Conference
   Members of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology (PSB) participated in the 2025 Botanical Society of Nigeria (BOSON) Conference and Annual General Meeting, hosted by Benson Idahosa University, Edo State. During the event, held from 21st to 23rd July, 2025, Dr. E. Albert, on behalf of the department, formally launched copies of Volume 37 of the Society’s journal.
4. Biochemistry Student Honoured as Convocation Valedictorian
   On Friday, 25th July 2025, Miss ALAKO Ibitayo Afusat of the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, was honoured as one of the valedictorians at the 35th Combined Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt. Graduating with a First Class Honours and an outstanding CGPA of 4.89, she shared this top honour with a graduate from the Faculty of Education. The Faculty of Science congratulates Miss Alako on this exceptional achievement and wishes her continued success in all her future endeavours.
5. Faculty Celebrates 35th Convocation Ceremony
   Between the 25th and 26th of July 2025, graduands of the great Faculty of Science were formally admitted into their various degrees during the 35th Combined Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt. The ceremony, which took place at the New Convocation Arena, marked a significant milestone in the academic journey of the graduating students and was a proud moment for the Faculty.
6. TETFund Monitoring Team Visits Faculty for NRF Grant Evaluation
   On 28th July 2025, a Monitoring and Evaluation Team from TETFund, Abuja, visited the Faculty of Science to assess the progress of one of the NRF grant projects domiciled in the Faculty. We appreciate the University Management for their support, which contributed to a successful and well-coordinated visit.
7. PSB Department Engages First-Class Graduating Students
   The Head of the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology held an interactive session with 11 first-class graduating students of the department on 28th July, 2025. The meeting aimed to foster continued engagement between the department and its high-achieving alumni.
8. SIWES Students Donate Stools to PSB Department
   On 28th July, 2025, students who participated in the SIWES and Field Course exercise presented 60 stools to the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology as part of their contribution to improving departmental facilities.
9. Geology Department Hosts Postgraduate Oral Defenses
   The Department of Geology successfully conducted oral defenses for one PhD candidate and nine MSc students on Tuesday, 29th July, 2025. The event marks another step in the department’s commitment to academic excellence and timely postgraduate research completion.
10. Faculty of Science Wins Inter-Faculty Debate Competition
    On Thursday, 31st July 2025, TEAM Science emerged victorious in the Inter-Faculty Debate Competition held in celebration of the University of Port Harcourt’s 50th Anniversary. Represented by Ms. Michaels Christabel Chiwendu (400 level) and Ms. Azogu Princess Esther Ebubechukwu (100 level), both from the Department of Biochemistry, the team secured first place in a British Parliament-style debate hosted at the Ebitimi Banigo Auditorium. We warmly congratulate our brilliant debaters and the Department of Biochemistry for this outstanding achievement. Special thanks to the organisers of the event and to Prof. Joseph Ajienka for graciously sponsoring the debate.

Appreciation
The Faculty of Science expresses its sincere appreciation to the Vice Chancellor and the entire University Management for their unwavering support, which continues to enable the Faculty to excel in research, innovation, academic engagement, and student success.