THIS WEEK IN RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

The following events took place in the University from Monday 26th – 30th January, 2026

1. The National Universities Commission (NUC) this week launched the National University Advancement Programme, an initiative aimed at strengthening Nigerian universities by leveraging robust and sustainable university–alumni relationships. The programme is a project of the Federal Ministry of Education, implemented in collaboration with the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation and the Africa Finance Corporation. The launch was performed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa. During the event, the University of Port Harcourt was unveiled as one of six universities selected to serve on the Technical Working Group for the programme.

2. We are pleased to inform members of the university community that the Honourable Minister of Education has formally handed over Central Bank of Nigeria–sponsored intervention projects to the University Management.
3. We paid a brief visit to the examination venue of our final-year medical students as they undertook their final examinations, and we wished them success.
4. The University of Port Harcourt Entrepreneurship Centre (UPEC), in line with the TETFund Entrepreneurship Intervention Programme, organized a five-day intensive training programme for staff and students aimed at fostering an innovative and entrepreneurial community. We commend the Acting Director, Dr. Elizabeth Amadi, her team at UPEC, as well as the resource persons and trainers for the successful execution of the programme
5. The Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences hosted a Public Lecture on the contemporary issues focused on “Trump in Venezuela: Power, Law and Diplomacy”. Scholars at the lecture x-rayed the global and regional implications of the actions of the POTUS, Donald Trump in capture of the Venezuelan President and his wife. The well attended lecture had retired professor Eme Ekekwe, Profs. Gilbert and Prof. Kialee establish power, regional dominance, economic interest, leadership trait and theoretical underpinning amongst others as driving force for the invasion.
6. We received in audience the Student Union President, Comrade Walison, accompanied by former Union Presidents Comrades Ubabuike, Azirindu, and Harmony, who have all, at various times, led the student body. We commended the Student Union for their vital role in fostering and maintaining the peaceful environment essential for effective academic activities.
7. In a demonstration of strong university–student engagement, the executive members of the NANS Zone B Joint Campus Council paid a courtesy visit to the University Management.
8. Professor Angela Frank-Briggs, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (R&D), represented us at Wigwe University’s matriculation ceremony, strengthening ties between the institutions and celebrating academic excellence.
9. We joined the orientation exercise for newly admitted candidates of the School of Basic Studies pre-degree programme, an essential stepping stone for entry into Nigerian tertiary institutions. Candidates were encouraged to make the most of the programme by aiming for academic excellence—the key to securing admission into degree programmes. We also commended the Director, Professor Udeme Owunari Georgewill, for her outstanding leadership in steering the programme.
10. We also participated in the orientation for scholars under the RUFORUM/Mastercard Foundation Partnership Programme, designed to equip students with skills for enhanced earning potential. We commend the Programme Coordinator and his team for organizing this impactful initiative
11. At the 43rd Valedictory Lecture was delivered by Prof. Ndowa E.S. Lale, titled “The University of Port Harcourt: Then, Now and the Future. We sincerely appreciated Professor Lale, 8th Vice-Chancellor of the University and wish him a rewarding and blessed retirement.
12. We are proud to announce that the University has received the Premier+ Award from global digital network leader Cisco, in recognition of our outstanding commitment to the Cisco Networking Academy. The award was presented to the University from Doha, Qatar, highlighting our continued excellence in digital education and network training.
13. The Federal Ministry of Communications is set to establish a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at the University. A Ministry delegation recently visited the campus to inspect the site in preparation for the start of construction, marking a significant milestone in the University’s technological advancement.
14. The University of Port Harcourt Energy Technology Institute has scheduled a one-day workshop in partnership with CypherCrescent Limited with the themed “Rethinking Industry-Academia Engagement: From Research Outputs to Market Outcomes.” The workshop will explore cutting-edge strategies to bridge the gap between academic innovation and market impact, shaping the future of research-driven industry collaboration.

We appreciate the roles you all played at your various designated units during the week 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