THIS WEEK IN RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

The following events took place in the University from Monday 17th to Friday 21st November, 2025

1. In line with the approved academic calendar for the 2025/2026 session, we welcomed our first year students to the University as they commenced their registration exercises of their admission and hostel accommodation.
2. The University Governing Council under the leadership of Senator Moa Ohuabunwa has inaugurated the University of Port Harcourt Investment Limited Board chaired by Chief Mene Kadilo Kabari. The inauguration which was performed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill now empowers the Board to oversee all business concerns of the University.
3. We paid an unscheduled visit to the venue of the MBBS Part II examination in Obstetrics and Gynaecology/Pediatrics to supervise the conduct of the examination and commended the Provost of the College and Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences for the smooth and professional conduct of the process.
4. We received the 1st Vice-president, Nigeria Medical Association, Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu as he led other members of the Association to present an Award of appreciation to us.
5. We received a HD Camera donation from an alumnus of the University, Engr. Obed Joe for use at the Department of Film and Multimedia, Faculty of Communications and Media Studies. The Luminex Camera G54 will enhance the multimedia studio of the department.
6. In solidarity with the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), we stopped over at their quadrennial Congress held to elect executive members of the Union to pilot the affairs of the branch for the next four years. The election was supervised by the National Vice-President in company of other members of his delegation. We congratulate Dr. Michael Ezebaraba and other members of his executive for emerging winners at the polls while also commending the other contestants for being magnanimous in accepting the outcome of the polls. The Union conferred on us an Award of the Most Union-Friendly Vice-Chancellor.
7. We were at the book launch of Prof. Kelechi Okonta titled “Spectrum and Management of Chest Trauma in the Tropical Region’’ held at the NMA House and felicitated with him.
8. We inspected and received equipment and furniture provided by Tetfund for optimal functioning of the Entrepreneurship Centre to enable the centre deliver on its mandate to our students.
9. We participated in the one-day training of e-tutors on software development and online course delivery systems organized by the Open Distance Learning Centre of the University.
10. The Vice-Chancellor represented the University at the National Security Summit facilitated by the Rivers State Government and the Senate Adhoc Committee on National Security for key stakeholders in the South-South region.
11. The Department of Fisheries organized a one-day event to celebrate the 2025 World Fisheries Day with the theme “Aquaculture and Fisheries Innovation for Sustainable Food, Energy and Environment”. We offered our congratulations to the Department and conveyed our best wishes
12. We received the National Universities Commission accreditation team for Nursing Science and urged the Provost of the College, Dean and Head of Department Nursing to cooperate with the team. After an extensive accreditation process, we successful held an exit meeting with the team. We are hopeful of a positive report.
13. The U96 set of Sociology led by her Vice-president, Chioma Keme were back at the University to celebrate 25years after graduation. As part of activities to mark the celebration, they donated classroom equipment to the Department and offered cash awards to outstanding students of Department. We commended the Set for the bold initiative and wished then well in all activities lined up for the celebration.
14. Prof. Joyce Akaninwor delivered the 41st valedictory lecture of the University. The valedictorian informed her listening audience of the importance of food security and suggested possible ways of tackling food insecurity in Nigeria. We wished her happy retirement in good health.
15. We received yet another Leadership Award from the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Rivers State Command in recognition of our visionary guidance and unwavering commitment to academic excellence. We expressed our gratitude to the PCRC and ensured them of our continuous support in the interest of humanity.

We appreciate the roles you all played at your various designated units during the weeks under review.
Do have a great weekend.

Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill, FRSB, FIIA, FWASOT, FCSI, FFs, FWASOP, FECRMI, FIARSA, FIHSC , DFCIHTMA.
Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt