THE 36TH CONVOCATION (COMBINED) CEREMONY IN RETROSPECT
SPECIAL REPORT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT COMMUNITY
INTRODUCTION
The 36th Convocation (Combined) Ceremony for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 Academic Sessions marked another important milestone in the University’s history.
The week-long celebration which held from 1st to 6th June, 2026, provided an opportunity to celebrate academic excellence, showcase institutional achievements, and reaffirm the University’s commitment to teaching, research, innovation, and service.
The Convocation attracted widespread attention from the media and drew the participation of distinguished scholars, alumni, government officials, industry leaders, parents, graduands, and other stakeholders.
A Jumat Service at the Mosque and a Thanksgiving of Faith Service at the Chapel of Annunciation, Catholic Chaplaincy, University of Port Harcourt preceded the 36th Convocation activities. Members of the University community expressed gratitude to Almighty God and committed the Convocation activities to His guidance.
This report presents a brief account of the major events and highlights of the 36th Convocation Combined Ceremony.
DAY ONE
MEDIA BRIEFING BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR
In a press briefing marking the commencement of the 36th Convocation, with journalists and media practitioners drawn from local and international media houses, the 9th Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill unveiled the programme of activities for the Convocation celebration, including the Research Fair and Exhibitions, Tree Planting Ceremony by the Best Graduating Students, Class Activities, Vice-Chancellor’s Dinner with First Class and Distinction Graduands, Fireside Chat on Finding Purpose and Optimizing Life After School, Convocation Command Performance, Award of First Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas and Master’s Degrees, Convocation Lecture as well as the Conferment of Doctor of Philosophy Degrees.
He announced that a total of Eight Thousand, One Hundred and Fifty-Six (8,156) graduands had been certified for graduation. Of this number, Five Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Two (5,822) were awarded First Degrees, Five Hundred and Ten (510) received Postgraduate Diplomas, One Thousand, Three Hundred and Eighty-Six (1,386) earned Master’s Degrees, while Four Hundred and Thirty-Eight (438) were awarded Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degrees.
The Vice-Chancellor also chronicled the remarkable achievements of the University under his Administration and highlighted major milestones recorded in infrastructure development, academic excellence, research, innovation, and global visibility.
DAY TWO
TREE PLANTING CEREMONY AND CONVOCATION COMMAND PERFORMANCE
The second day of activities featured the Tree Planting Ceremony performed by the Best Graduating Students of the combined academic sessions. Ms. Loveth, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.94, and Mr. Oyibo, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.82, carried out the symbolic exercise, which represents environmental sustainability, growth, and the enduring relationship between graduates and their alma mater.
Later in the day, attention shifted to the Theatre Arts Building (CRAB), where members of the University community were treated to a captivating Convocation Command Performance presented by the Department of Theatre and Film Studies.
The performance brought Professor Elechi Amadi’s celebrated work, Isiburu, to life through an impressive display of acting, music, dance, and stagecraft. The production showcased the creative excellence and artistic ingenuity of the University while providing an enriching cultural experience for the audience.
DAY THREE
CLASS DAY ACTIVITIES AND VICE-CHANCELLOR’S DINNER WITH FIRST CLASS GRADUANDS
A major highlight of the day was the Parade of Classes and Faculty Activities, which brought together graduating students, alumni, staff, and well-wishers in a colourful display of unity, pride, and camaraderie. The activities provided an opportunity for graduates to celebrate their academic journey, reconnect with colleagues, and strengthen their bond with the University.
Another significant event was the Vice-Chancellor’s Dinner with First Class and Distinction Graduands. The dinner brought together the University’s brightest academic achievers in recognition of their exceptional scholarly accomplishments and commitment to excellence.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the graduands on their outstanding academic performance and encouraged them to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, diligence, and service as they embark on the next phase of their lives. He urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of the University of Port Harcourt and to make meaningful contributions to society wherever they may find themselves.
The dinner also provided an avenue for interaction between the University leadership and the outstanding graduands, fostering mentorship, inspiration, and a lifelong connection with their alma mater. The atmosphere was one of celebration, reflection, and optimism as the graduands were encouraged to pursue even greater heights in their future endeavours.
DAY FOUR
RESEARCH FAIR, EXHIBITIONS, AND FIRESIDE CHAT ON FINDING PURPOSE AND OPTIMIZING LIFE AFTER SCHOOL
Another major highlight of the Convocation celebration was the Research Fair and Exhibitions, which provided a platform for Faculties, Departments, Centres, and Units of the University to showcase innovative research findings, technological advancements, creative works, and solutions to societal challenges.
The exhibition attracted members of the University community, industry stakeholders, researchers, students, and visitors who interacted with exhibitors and gained valuable insights into the University’s contributions to knowledge creation, innovation, and sustainable development. The displays underscored the institution’s commitment to research excellence and its role in addressing national and global challenges through impactful scholarship.
The day also featured an engaging Fireside Chat on “Finding Purpose and Optimizing Life After School” facilitated by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, OON, a renowned entrepreneur, investor, and technology innovator.
Drawing from his entrepreneurial journey and personal experiences, Mr. Aboyeji challenged students and young graduates to look beyond academic qualifications and focus on discovering their purpose, developing relevant skills, embracing innovation, and creating opportunities for themselves and others. He emphasized resilience, continuous learning, adaptability, and character development as essential ingredients for success in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven world.
The interactive session provided participants with practical insights into leadership, entrepreneurship, career development, wealth creation, and personal growth. Graduating students actively engaged the guest speaker in discussions, making the session both enlightening and inspirational.
DAY FIVE
AWARD OF FIRST DEGREES, POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMAS AND MASTER’S DEGREES
The newly constructed Convocation Arena was filled to capacity as graduands, parents, guardians, alumni, friends of the University, and distinguished guests gathered to celebrate another harvest of academic excellence. – The Award of Master’s Degrees, Postgraduate Diplomas, and First Degrees
In a colourful and dignified ceremony, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences and the Deans of the various Faculties presented their graduands to the Vice-Chancellor for the Award of degrees and diplomas. Following due certification by Senate, the Vice-Chancellor formally admitted the graduands into the body of graduates of the University of Port Harcourt.
The ceremony was marked by joy, pride, and a sense of accomplishment as the graduands received recognition for years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication to their studies. It also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to academic excellence, quality education, and the production of graduates capable of making meaningful contributions to society.
DAY SIX
CONVOCATION LECTURE AND CONFERMENT OF PH.D. DEGREES
The climax of the 36th Convocation Combined Ceremony was the Convocation Lecture and the Conferment of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degrees, which attracted distinguished scholars, policymakers, captains of industry, alumni, members of the University community, and other stakeholders.
The Convocation Lecture was exceptionally delivered by His Excellency, Chief Dr. Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, GSSRS. Speaking on the theme, “Leadership and Infrastructure Development,” the Guest Lecturer delivered a thought-provoking discourse on the importance of visionary leadership in driving sustainable development and national transformation.
Drawing from his vast experience in public service and governance, he emphasized that strategic planning, accountability, prudent resource management, and purposeful leadership remain indispensable for infrastructural development and socio-economic progress. He further highlighted infrastructure as a catalyst for economic growth, improved quality of life, and enhanced productivity.
The lecture resonated strongly with the audience and stimulated meaningful discussions on leadership, governance, and nation-building.
Following the lecture, the University proceeded with the Conferment of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degrees on successful candidates who had fulfilled the requirements prescribed by Senate. The doctoral graduands were formally admitted into the community of scholars and charged to uphold the highest standards of academic excellence, integrity, innovation, and service to humanity.
The occasion reflected the University’s enduring commitment to research excellence, knowledge creation, and the development of highly skilled professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to national and global development.
CONCLUSION
The 36th Convocation Combined Ceremony was a resounding success and marked a significant milestone in the history of the University of Port Harcourt.
Notably, during the Convocation period, the Governing Council concluded the process for the appointment of the 10th Vice-Chancellor of the University.
Following a rigorous and transparent selection process involving all duly screened candidates, Professor Chike R. Princewill emerged as the 10th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt.
The University community remains grateful to the Selection Board, internal and external Council members, members of Senate, and particularly the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council for diligently and successfully conducting this important statutory responsibility.
The Convocation activities concluded with a Thanksgiving Service at Our Saviour’s Chapel, University of Port Harcourt, where members of the University community gathered once again to express gratitude to God for a successful Convocation and a seamless leadership transition.
As I conclude my tenure as the 9th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, I wish to sincerely appreciate the Governing Council, Senate, Management, staff, students, alumni, strategic partners, and stakeholders for their unwavering support and cooperation throughout my administration.
It has been a rare privilege and honour to serve this great institution for nearly five years.
As I take a meritorious bow, I respectfully urge members of the University community to extend the same support, goodwill, and cooperation to my successor, Professor Chike R. Princewill, as he assumes the responsibility of leading our beloved University to even greater heights.
Together, we shall continue to remain partners in progress.
Thank you.
Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill, KSC, FRSB, FWASOT, FECRMI, FFS, FIIA, FWASOP, FIARSA, FIHSC, FFA, DFCIHTMA
Vice-Chancellor
9th Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt
