CHRONICLES FROM THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE (January 26th – February 6th 2026)
- Faculty of Science granted Over 230 SIWES Placements at UPTH
The Faculty of Science has been granted over 230 SIWES placements at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) for its students, thanks to the efforts of the Exchange and Linkage Programmes Unit (ELPU) under the leadership of Prof. Lawrence Chuku.
The approval covers 100 students each from the Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, as well as 30 students from the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology (AEB). This initiative is structured to run annually, providing a sustainable platform for students’ industrial training.
The Faculty sincerely appreciates the University Management, ELPU, and UPTH for this commendable initiative, which strengthens town-gown collaboration and enhances students’ practical training experience.
- Department of Pure & Industrial Chemistry Holds SIWES Defence for 400-Level Students
The Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry (PIC) held its SIWES Defence for 400-Level students of the 2025/2026 academic session on Wednesday, 28th January 2026. The exercise enabled students to present the practical skills and experience gained during their industrial training.
The event was also attended by the SIWES management team of the University of Port Harcourt, who received feedback and encouraged continued student engagement with the scheme.
- Appointment of New Head of Department, Mathematics and Statistics
Prof. F. E. Nzerem of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics has been graciously appointed by the Vice-Chancellor of the University as the next Head of Department. He is scheduled to assume office later in the month, taking over from the current Head of Department, Prof. F. E. Bazuaye.
- Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology Holds SIWES Oral Defence
The Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology successfully conducted the SIWES oral defence for its 400-Level students (U2022 set) in January 2026. The exercise provided students with a platform to present and discuss the practical skills and experience gained during their industrial training.
The SIWES Director, Deputy Director, and Administrative Officer were also present to interact with the students, offering guidance and encouragement.
- Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology Holds Postgraduate Viva Voce
The Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology successfully presented eight postgraduate students—two Ph.D. candidates and six M.Sc. students, for their viva voce at the Graduate School on Thursday, 5th February 2026. The exercise provided an opportunity for the students to showcase their research findings and defend their work before the examination panel.
- Department of Animal and Environmental Biology Holds SIWES Oral Defence
The Department of Animal and Environmental Biology successfully conducted the SIWES oral defence for its 400-Level students (U2022 set) on Monday, 26th January 2026. The exercise provided an opportunity for students to present and defend the knowledge and practical experience gained during their industrial training.
The SIWES Director, Deputy Director, and Administrative Officer were also present and interacted with the students, offering guidance and encouragement.
- Prof. Ijeoma Vincent-Akpu Elected Vice Coordinator of USGEAA Nigeria
The United States Government Exchange Alumni Association of Nigeria (USGEAA) recently conducted its elections, during which Prof. Ijeoma Vincent-Akpu of the Department of Animal and Environmental Biology was elected Vice Coordinator. Her election reflects the confidence of members in her leadership and commitment to service.
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics Holds SIWES Defence for 400-Level Students
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics successfully organized the SIWES defence for its 400-Level students (U2022 set) on Monday, 26th January 2026. The exercise provided students with a platform to present and defend the practical skills and insights gained during their industrial training.
- Successful Conduct of M.Sc. Oral Viva in Computer Science
The Department of Computer Science presented four M.Sc. candidates, admitted under the Faculty of Science, for their oral viva on Wednesday, 4th February 2026. The exercise was conducted successfully, and the candidates were duly recommended for the award of the Master of Science degree by the External Examiner.
The Faculty sincerely thanks the Vice-Chancellor and the University Management for their steadfast support and genuine commitment to the continued growth and development of the Faculty of Science.
