UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT HOLDS 2025 ANNUAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE
Theme: “Act of Thanksgiving”
Date: Tuesday, 9th December 2025
Venue: New Convocation Arena, University Park.
The University of Port Harcourt held her 2025 Annual Thanksgiving Service today at the New Convocation Arena, University Park, drawing together principal officers, staff, students, alumni, clergy, and distinguished guests in a vibrant atmosphere of gratitude and worship. The thanksgiving, themed “Act of Thanksgiving,” provided the University community a sacred opportunity to return all glory to God for His mercies, protection, and manifold blessings throughout the 2024/2025 academic year.
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
The service commenced with the University Anthem, beautifully rendered by the Department of Music, followed by the Opening Hymn: “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty.”
This was succeeded by the Opening Prayer and a formal Recognition of Dignitaries.
The congregation was then blessed with a sequence of uplifting choral renditions:
- Host Choir – Chapel of the Annunciation (COA), Catholic Chaplaincy
- Our Saviour’s Chapel (OSC) Choir
- Department of Music Choir
The Chaplain of the Chapel of the Annunciation Catholic Chaplaincy, Rev. Fr. Dr. Donatus Odinakachi Okeowhor, delivered a warm and heartfelt Welcome Note, setting the tone for a worship-filled gathering of thanksgiving.
The Pro-Chancellor, Senator Mao Arukwe Ohuabunwa, handled the First Reading, expressing gratitude for God’s faithfulness upon the University and reaffirming the institution’s commitment to gratitude, excellence, and unity.
Speaking during the event, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill, expressed profound gratitude to God for His faithfulness over the years. He noted that this year’s thanksgiving holds a special and memorable significance, as it will be the last University-wide Annual Thanksgiving he will preside over as Vice Chancellor, with his tenure set to conclude early next year.
Scripture Readings and Worship
The service featured three solemn Bible readings interspersed with hymns of thanksgiving:
- First Reading (Isaiah 12:3–6, GNB) — taken by the Vice-Chancellor
- Hymn: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
- Second Reading — taken by the RT. Hon. Member (as provided)
- Hymn: “Count Your Blessings”
- Third Reading (Luke — provided) — taken by Prof. Udeme Georgewill
- Hymn: “To God Be the Glory”
The scripture and hymns reminded the congregation of the innumerable blessings of God upon individuals, families, and the University.
Prayers, Thanksgiving, and Offerings
The service continued with Intercessory Prayers for the University, Nigeria, families, staff, students, and the forthcoming academic year.
This was followed by a Thanksgiving and Offering Session, symbolising collective gratitude for God’s goodness throughout the year.
MESSAGES OF GRATITUDE
In his Welcome Address, Rev. Fr. Okeowhor thanked God for the privilege of the chaplaincy hosting yet another thanksgiving service, noting that despite national challenges, the University enjoyed peace, stability, academic progress, and new developments by God’s grace. He emphasized that thanksgiving remains a unifying act that binds the UniPort family together.
The Pro Chancellor, and chairman of the University Governing Council, Senator Mao Arukwe Ohuabunwa, expressed deep gratitude to God for the University’s numerous achievements in 2025. He appreciated the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Georgewill, for his visionary leadership and thanked the Chaplaincy, clergy, choirs, Guest Speaker Pastor Dunbo Agara, and all committee members for their contributions to the success of the event.
His address highlighted the blessings of the year, the unity of purpose within the University community, and the importance of sustaining a spirit of gratitude as the Christmas season approaches.
Acknowledgements
The University acknowledges the presence of the Pro-Chancellor and members of the Governing Council, the management team, chaplains, staff, students, and guests who participated in the thanksgiving service.
CONCLUSION
The 2025 Annual Thanksgiving Service concluded with praises, prayers, deep appreciation to God and joyful celebration. The University community prayed for a peaceful Christmas season and a prosperous New Year 2026, reaffirming their trust in God who has continually guided the institution for over five decades.
