TWO WEEKS RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

The following events took place in the University from Monday 9th – Friday 20th March, 2026.

1. A significant moment of celebration was recorded at the University as parents, guardians, and distinguished guests gathered at the CBN Centre of Excellence to witness the oath-taking ceremony of newly qualified medical doctors. We charged the inductees to serve as worthy ambassadors of the medical profession and to uphold the good name of the University wherever they practice.

2. Similarly, we held the 14th Induction Ceremony of the newly qualified pharmacists. The event also highlighted the University’s commitment to producing highly skilled professionals capable of contributing positively to healthcare delivery in the pharmaceutical sector.

3. In line with the University’s commitment to strengthening academic excellence through international collaborations, we received Dr. Vaclav Gvozdik from the Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Republic. Dr. Gvozdik and his team visited the University to participate in a collaborative research project with the Faculty of Agriculture. The partnership is expected to enhance knowledge exchange, promote joint research initiatives, and strengthen academic cooperation between institutions.

4. The 208th Inaugural Lecture Series of the university was delivered by the current Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Tobinson Alasin Briggs, titled THE TONIC FOR EMERGING SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES. The lecture provided deep insights into the role of systems engineering in technological advancement and national development. It was both enlightening and thought-provoking, drawing the attention and interest of members of the University community and guests from all walks of life.

5. We received Dr. Chris Maiyaki as he led a team from TETfund to carry out on-the-spot assessment of the construction of the South-South Zonal Universities Multipurpose Laboratory which is sited in the university. The team expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the project site and noted that, upon completion of the construction, state-of-the-art laboratory equipment will be provided to fully furnish and equip the facility.

6. It was an evening filled with sights and sounds as the newly built Arts Theatre of the University, popularly known as “The Crab,” came alive with a captivating presentations. Students of the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, thrilled the audience with a breathtaking display of talents, delivering an engaging performance that left guests thoroughly entertained.

7. The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) hosted a one-day digital privacy awareness campaign in the University. The event was aimed at strengthening the security of digital identities and deepening public knowledge of privacy, individual rights, and emerging opportunities in the digital space. At the event, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, emphasized the need for increased awareness and compliance with data protection regulations as Nigeria continues to advance its digital economy.

8. The 8th Induction Ceremony of the newly qualified nurses from the College of Health Sciences, held on Tuesday 17th March, 2026. The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria administered the oath of professional allegiance to the 62 newly qualified registered nurses, we charged them to serve as worthy ambassadors of the university and the nation at large, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and compassionate care in their practice.

9. MBBS students have commenced their resit examinations for Part I and Part II professional assessments. The departments of Pharmacology, Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Biochemistry, and Pathology administered the respective examinations, ensuring a smooth and coordinated process. The Provost and Deans were commended for their dedication and commitment to maintaining high standards in the conduct of medical examinations.

10. We received a token of appreciation from Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences. The Award which was in recognition of our modest contributions to the growth of the Faculty was well received and appreciated.

11. Similarly, we received a Legacy Award from the Department of Educational Psychology, Guidance, and Counselling in recognition of our transformative leadership. The Award celebrates our efforts in fostering innovation, promoting academic excellence, and inspiring positive change within the department and the broader university community.

12. We received Amb. Jay Xu, Director of the Japan–ROK Innovation Cooperation Centre, and Dr. Andres on a strategic visit, during which we held fruitful discussions on collaboration aimed at expanding research activities through joint initiatives, knowledge exchange, innovative research programs, and grant support to the University of Port Harcourt Window to China Centre.

13. We received a Distinguished Service Award from the SDG Youth Organization African Region in recognition of our contributions to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Niger Delta region.

14. The Centre for Gender, Conflict and Development Studies marked the 2026 International Women’s Day with a public lecture themed around rights, justice, and action for all women and girls. The event brought together women of remarkable achievements at the university to deliberate on the future and contributions of women to nation-building. At the event, we were presented with a Gender Champion Award in recognition of our outstanding commitment to promoting gender equality, empowering women, and supporting inclusive development initiatives

15. We celebrated the promotion of the Chief Police Security Officer of the Vice-Chancellor and charged him to continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, remain dedicated to duty, and to ensure the safety and security of lives and property within the university community.

16. The Centre for Politics in collaboration with the Mother Earth Foundation held its public lecture titled: Food, Power and Politics of hunger. The lecture was well attended with dignitaries from all walks of life with far reaching reccommendations at the end of the lecture.

17. The grand finale of the University of Port Harcourt Champions and Conference football league also held in the University of Port Harcourt. The Chairman of Eleme Local Government, Rivers State, Hon. Chief O. Ollor chaired the event at the University Sports Stadium.

18. Academic activities were halted in compliance with the Federal Government directives as the University community joined Muslims all over the world to celebrate the Sallah holidays. Prayers were offered by the leaders of the Muslim community in the Univetsity for Peace, Unity, and stabilty of our Nation.We appreciate the roles you all played at your designated units during the weeks under review.

Happy Holidays.

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