TWO WEEKS RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

The following events took place in the University from Monday 22nd September – Friday 3rd October, 2025.

1. The Committee of Provost and Deans held a meeting to deliberate on the proposed academic calendar presented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Rosemary Ogu. After exhaustive deliberation, the Committee approved the calendar which would be made public soon.
2. An Award of Champion of Institutional Advancement 2025 was presented to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill by the Organic Agriculture Professionals in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria at its 18th Annual Conference held on the 22nd of September, 2025.
3. We also received a symbol of Recognition from the NLNG Centre for Gas Refinery and Petrochemicals for our unwavering support to the Centre.
4. As the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital commence preparations to celebrate her 45th Anniversary, we received in audience members of the Local Organizing Committee led by Professor John Ikimalo. The team informed the University Management of programmes lined up for the celebration. We identified areas of synergy and promised to fully participate in the celebration.
5. We received the new Students Union President, Comr. Tonye Amaechi Walson and members of his Executive Council and charged the new leadership to be forthright in their decisions and prioritize the interest of students whilst also maintaining a cordial working relationship with the University Management.
6. We took a tour across our examination halls to supervise the ongoing second semester examinations. We are happy to report that general examinations have so far been conducted in strict adherence to examination rules. Notwithstanding, we are closely monitoring the activities of the final year students.
7. The Window to China Corner at the University was commissioned by the Deputy Consulate General, Jin Mingyu who performed the role on behalf of the the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Yan Yuqing. The new Corner which was remodelled and completed by CCECC adds to the rich infrastructural depth of the University. We appreciated the Consul General for this gesture and re-affirmed our commitment to cultural exchange, research, translation and dialogue beyond borders.
8. We celebrated with members of staff and students of the Department of Geology, Faculty of Science as students from the Department emerged third position winners at the Nigerian Association for Engineering Geology and Environment national quiz competition.
9. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill was the Resource Person at the 2025 Nigeria Higher Education Foundation forum conversation on “Strengthening Alumni and Advancement Infrastructure in Nigerian Universities”. The Forum which took place in New York United States had in attendance, other critical stakeholders from the tertiary education sector with engaging sessions.
10. In recognition of the invaluable contribution and engagements of the University of Port Harcourt with the government of the Peoples Republic of China, we were once again on the global stage as we received an Award in the China-Nigeria Friendship Contribution from the Consulate General. This Award was presented at the 76th Anniversary celebration of the People’s Republic of China and 54th Anniversary of China-Nigeria relations.
11. We participated in the First Scientific Conference of the University of Port Harcourt School of Public Health in celebration of the population and reproductive health day. At the event, panel discussants explored the need for sustaining the efforts of past Nigerian heroes of safe motherhood.
12. We received a worthy note of congratulations from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) signed by the National President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja on the Award conferred on us by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China.
13. It was a masterclass lecture as our retiring Professor Michael O. Monanu of the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science delivered the 39th Valedictory Lecture of the University titled “Life Without Enzymes: A Mirage? While advocating the relevance of enzymes in man’s daily life, the Valedictorian urged policymakers to prioritize knowledge by equipping laboratories for effective research.
14. The University Management has banned Sign-Out Ceremony across all campuses. The decision which was communicated to the student body by the Dean, Students Affairs was due to the reckless dimension the sign out activities has become lately.
15. The College Assembly met and elected Professor Ngozi Ekeke as the 12th Provost of the College of Health Sciences. We wish the new Provost an amazing tenure.

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