TWO WEEKS RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT
The following events took place from Monday 13th to Friday, 24th April, 2026
1. The University of Port Harcourt joined well-wishers in celebrating her Chancellor, Major General Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar (Rtd.), on the occasion of his 85th birthday. Heartfelt prayers and warm felicitations were conveyed to His Highness in recognition of his exemplary leadership, distinguished service, and enduring contributions to the growth and development of the institution. The University wished the Chancellor continued good health, wisdom, and many more years of impactful service.
2. In preparation for the 36th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt, the Pro-Chancellor, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, led a delegation of Management staff on a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. The visit was aimed at formally informing the Honourable Minister of the forthcoming convocation ceremony and seeking his consent to serve as the Guest Lecturer for the occasion.
3. The 17th Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt is currently in Lagos for its 2026 Governing Council Retreat, aimed at repositioning the University for global visibility through digital transformation, entrepreneurship development, and strategic partnerships. The Retreat was declared open by the Chairman and Pro-Chancellor, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, and is expected to host key stakeholders.
4. We conducted visits to examination venues to assess the level of compliance with the stipulated rules and conditions guiding the conduct of the examinations, as the exercise entered its fourth week since commencement.
5. The Governing Council has taken further step in the process of the appointment of the 10th substantive Vice-Chancellor of the University. In line with the stated requirements as advertised by the university, ten (10) applicants have scaled to the next stage of the process.
6. The School of Graduate Studies conducted final defence and PhD seminars for postgraduate students across various departments.We joined the Dean, SGS, Prof. Udeme Owunari Georgewill, alongside members of the Board, in examining the students.
7. The Registrar, Dr. Gloria O. Chindah, was on ground to receive administrative staff from tertiary institutions across the South-South region under the aegis of the Association of Nigerian Universities Professional Staff. At the event, the Pro-Chancellor, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, led members of Council to deliver a goodwill message to the National President, Dr. Victor Nkuma Bem, members of the National Executive Committee, and all conference participants, wishing them a fruitful and successful deliberation.
8. We were honoured with a word-play portrait presented by the 2002 graduates of the College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt.
9. We are pleased to report that the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, conducted between Thursday, 16th and Tuesday, 21st April, was successfully concluded with a high success rate recorded. As the Chief External Examiner in Rivers State, the Vice-Chancellor monitored the exercise by visiting several examination centres. He expressed satisfaction with the efficiency of the examination system, the organization of the designated centres, and the commendable work ethic demonstrated by all officials deployed for the exercise.
10. The University Management has commenced the construction of an access barrier leading into the University in response to the full operation of the JuliRose Hotel. The project is aimed at regulating and restricting movement into and around the University premises beyond stipulated hours, thereby enhancing security, ensuring proper access control, and maintaining a conducive academic environment.
11. We received the immediate past Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Dr. Chris Maiyaki, and the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe. The distinguished guests were in the University ahead of their scheduled presentations of papers at Wigwe University.
12. The Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt held its 192nd Extra-Ordinary Meeting to consider and take decisions on recommendations submitted by Council Committees, as well as other matters presented for approval. During the meeting, Council deliberated extensively on key institutional issues and duly approved the recommendations brought before it. In addition, the meeting ratified the promotion of deserving academic staff to the ranks of Readers and Professors, in recognition of their scholarly achievements and contributions to the University’s academic excellence. New Directors, Deputy Directors, Deputy Registrars, Deputy Bursars amongst others were also promoted.
We appreciate the roles you all played at your 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.
