TWO WEEKS RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

The following events took place in the University from Monday 2nd – Friday 13th February, 2026

1. We supervised the distribution of newly supplied beddings to students across all campus hostels. This regular replacement initiative is aimed at maintaining hygienic and conducive living conditions for our students. We sincerely appreciate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for this intervention through Capital Project.

2. The University Management received the newly appointed Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Prof. Chituru Orluwene, and members of his management team. The visit was aimed at further strengthening the long-standing collaborative relationship between the University and the Teaching Hospital. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced cooperation in the areas of healthcare delivery, medical training, research, and institutional development.

3. A team of experts from the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy visited the University to assess the designated site for the construction of a modern ICT building. This intervention was facilitated by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Barr. Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike, as part of his pledge during the University’s 35th Convocation Ceremony. We thank the Honorable Minister for keeping to his promise.

4. We received an Award from the Association of Specialist Doctors in Academia in recognition of our continued support and commitment to the activities and objectives of the Association. The award underscores the University’s dedication to fostering academic excellence, professional development, and collaboration within the medical and academic community.

5. Similarly, Officials Nigeria Magazine presented the University with a Lifetime Achievement in Education Award in recognition of our outstanding contributions to the advancement of education and the promotion of academic excellence.

6. In line with our vision of harnessing the vast potential of our alumni community, we are pleased to announce that one of our strategic partners and alumnus, Hon. Tien Jack-Rich, CEO of Belema Oil, has renovated classrooms, workshops, and laboratories in the Faculty of Engineering. The upgraded facilities have been equipped with air conditioners, smart boards, CCTV cameras for online and real-time teaching, hybrid solar systems, and enhanced internet connectivity, providing a modern and conducive environment for teaching and learning. We are grateful for this generous gesture and encourage other alumni and partners to emulate this example of giving back to the University.

7. The University of Port Harcourt held its 47th Matriculation Ceremony on Tuesday, 10th February 2026. The event welcomed newly admitted students into the University community, marking the official start of their academic journey. The ceremony featured addresses from University leadership, highlighting the values of excellence, integrity, and commitment to scholarship. The 47th Matriculation also provided an opportunity to inspire and motivate students, encouraging them to fully engage in academic and extracurricular activities while upholding the traditions and standards of the University.

8. The University of Port Harcourt, through its Career Services Intervention Centre, organized a one-day intensive grantsmanship workshop for selected academics drawn from various Colleges and Faculties across the University. The Centre, established at the instance of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), is charged with the responsibility of upscaling the employability and professional capacity of both staff and students. This initiative reflects the University’s commitment to strengthening research competence, enhancing grant acquisition skills, and promoting academic excellence. We commend the Director of the Centre, Ijeoma Regina Ernest-Ehibudu, for her dedication and proactive leadership in actualizing the mandate of the Centre. Her efforts in organizing this impactful workshop are highly appreciated and will undoubtedly contribute to advancing the research profile and institutional development.

9. We received an Excellent Institutional and Academic Partnership Award from the ICAN Obio/Akpor District Society for providing institutional support to the District.

10. We received a delegation from the Rural Electrification Agency on an inspection tour to assess the level of usage and productivity of the University’s solar farm. During the visit, the team evaluated the operational efficiency and overall performance of the facility. They expressed optimism that, with a well-structured and sustainable management plan, the solar farm represents a viable long-term solution to the perennial challenge of power supply within the University.

11. We participated in a two-day workshop organized by Fairline Konsult on Public Trust and Accountability in Public Service. The training provided an enriching platform that further exposed staff to critical issues surrounding principles, processes, and procedures in public procurement. It reinforced the importance of transparency, due process, and ethical standards in the management of public resources. The workshop also strengthened participants’ understanding of accountability mechanisms and best practices required to enhance efficiency and integrity in public service delivery.

12. U&C Microfinance Bank recently held an Investors’ Forum to unveil its strategic investment plans to both existing and prospective investors. The event, which took place at JuliRose Uniport Hotels, provided a comprehensive overview of the Bank’s growth trajectory, financial outlook, and emerging opportunities. During the forum, Management reeled out a variety of investment options designed to deliver value, promote financial inclusion, and strengthen stakeholder confidence.

13. We received a delegation from the Nigeria Police Force, Rivers State Command, led by the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Training Command. The visit was aimed at deepening existing partnerships and exploring new areas of collaboration between both institutions. Discussions focused on capacity building, research support, and specialized training opportunities that would foster mutual institutional growth. The University, through the Institute of Niger Delta Studies, is currently in advanced stages of finalizing a formal agreement with the Force. This prospective partnership is expected to strengthen knowledge exchange, enhance professional development, and promote evidence-based approaches to security and community engagement within the region.

14. The 205th Inaugural Lecture was brilliantly delivered by Prof. Udeme Owunari Georgewill of the Department of Pharmacology.In a compelling presentation titled “A Tale of Old Wine in New Wine Skin,” Professor Georgewill highlighted the growing relevance of drug repurposing in modern pharmacological research. She emphasized that repurposing existing drugs for new therapeutic indications can significantly reduce development timelines and minimize the financial risks typically associated with conventional drug discovery processes. The lecture underscored the importance of innovative research approaches in advancing healthcare outcomes, while reaffirming the University’s commitment to promoting cutting-edge scholarship and impactful scientific contributions.

15. The University of Port Harcourt commissioned the new corporate headquarters of U&C Microfinance Bank in a historic ceremony attended by members of the Board and shareholders of the Bank. The event marked a significant milestone in the growth and institutional strengthening of the Bank. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to enhance efficiency and ensure effective service delivery to its customers and stakeholders. Notably, the building also houses a dedicated section for the U&C Academy, which will serve as a hub for professional training and certification programmes. The Academy is expected to contribute to capacity building, financial literacy, and professional development within the University community and beyond.

16. We participated in the EndNote training workshop organized by the School of Graduate Studies for postgraduate students. The workshop was held at the newly commissioned SGS Building. The training provided participants with practical guidance on the effective use of EndNote as a reference management tool, equipping them with essential skills for organizing research materials, managing citations, and improving the quality of academic writing. The initiative reflects the University’s continued commitment to strengthening research capacity and supporting postgraduate students with the tools necessary for academic excellence and scholarly productivity.

17. The University of Port Harcourt formally inaugurated the newly nominated SERVICOM Representatives for the various Faculties, Units, and Centres as Focal Officers for effective service delivery. The inauguration underscores the University’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and excellence in administrative processes. The SERVICOM Representatives are expected to serve as key liaison officers, ensuring that service standards are upheld and that feedback mechanisms are strengthened across their respective areas.

18. We are pleased to announce that Shaoxing University has officially certified the University of Port Harcourt Confucius Centre to teach Calligraphy. This certification marks a significant milestone in the Centre’s mission to promote Chinese language and cultural studies within the University and the wider community. The approval affirms the Centre’s capacity to deliver quality instruction in Chinese calligraphy, a vital aspect of Chinese heritage and artistic expression. The development further strengthens the academic and cultural partnership between both institutions and enhances opportunities for intercultural exchange, scholarship, and global engagement.

19. We participated in the public lecture series of the faculty of Agriculture.

20. We participated in the orientation programs of the Centre for counseling and human capacity development for newly admitted students.

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