THIS WEEK IN RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT.

The following events took place from Monday 6th to Friday 10th January, 2025.

1. Mercy Ahkide-Udoh, one of Nigeria’s foremost female professional footballers and three times African Best Female footballer partners with the University of Port Harcourt to empower the girl child through education and sports. The Akhide Foundation is organizing a scouting exercise to identify young female talents for a football playing career in the United States of America which will blended by education. The Foundation in collaboration with some private and public stakeholders will cater for the pre-qualification process and financial requirements for the identified talents.

2. The National Universities Commission serves as a critical bridge between the government and universities in Nigeria. We received a letter from the Executive Secretary – Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu formally notifying the University of his assumption as the substantive Executive Secretary of the Commission. As a University, we heartily congratulate Professor Ribadu for this well-deserved appointment and commit to support the Commission to achieving its targeted ideals.

3. The University of Port Harcourt re-opened for the continuation of the new academic session after the Christmas break. In preparation for the arrival of our students to their respective halls of residence, we carried out an on-the-spot assessment of facilities to ensure they are conducive for living and learning. We also extended a welcome note to our returning and new students as they continue in their journey to attaining their desired academic heights.

4. In line with the approved academic calendar of the University and the resumption of academic activities, we took a tour across the College/Faculties to assess the level of compliance with resumption. Our visit across selected lecture venues had lectures in full swing and we wish to commend both staff and students for adhering to the approved academic calendar.

5. In this thriving world of digital economy, a robust and more secured website is a gateway to accessing the enormous benefits of an internet driven world. We received the Director of ICTC – Prof. Mary Iwundu and her team as they demonstrated the improved features of the newly designed University of Port Harcourt website. The outlook is comprehensive and informative, we congratulate the new Director for such laudable initiative.

6. As with other offices, the Office of the Vice-Chancellor as a way to kick-start the activities of the New Year, gathered for a moment of prayer and re-dedication to God for a successful 2025.

7. The University of Port Harcourt commiserates with victims of the gas related tragedy that occurred at Oroazi where some persons died from severe burns and properties destroyed. We visited the hospital where some survivors are currently receiving treatments amongst who is a member of staff of the University. We commend the hospital management for the quality medical care and wish all survivors a quick recovery.

8. The year is starting with a mixed feeling for the University as an astute scholar and well celebrated academic, Professor Jospeh Ajienka formally bows out of the services of the University of Port Harcourt. In a very well-organized series of events including a retirement festschrift, valedictory lecture, a birthday celebration and variety night. Friends and colleagues gathered to eulogize the indelible footprints of Prof. Ajienka. We wish our dear 7th Vice-Chancellor, the very best in retirement.

9. The University of Port Harcourt received a team from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture accompanied by other government agencies to commence the enrolment and distribution of the Federal Government subsidized rice to members of staff of the University. The Thailand well bagged rice was sold at 40,000 Naira instead of market price of 120,000 Naira to interested members of Staff. We commend the Federal Government under the amiable leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this excellent initiative.

10. The University community also gathered for the Valedictory Lecture of Professor Philomena Ejele of the Department of Linguistics and Communication Studies, Faculty of Humanities as she meritoriously bows out of the services of the University. We eulogized the valedictorian for her immense contributions to the Faculty and the University community.

11. We received Dr. Nneoma Ugwu from Washington DC who was in the University for interaction on partnership/sponsorship of the Women in Science Award and scholarship  for female undergraduate of the Department of Educational  Psychology. Dr. Ugwu has previously granted scholarship to some students of the Department. We commended her kind gestures and encourage beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity by taking their studies very seriously.

12. The Wigwe University extended an invitation to the University of Port Harcourt for an interactive session. This is in continuation of our mentorship and guidance we provide for the new University and as such the Principal officers and deans of some faculties relevant to the newly created faculties at Wigwe University shall accompany in the visit.

13. We received Obianuju Njoku, Asst. Professor at the Department of Music and Sarah Isom of the Center for Women & Gender Studies, University of Mississippi on an exchange and research collaboration with the Department of Music, Faculty of Humanities, University of Port Harcourt. We had a fruitful interaction in the interest of both universities.

14. We participated in the annual re dedication program of the Faculty of Humanities, where the staff of the faculty reflected on the past year and committed the new year into God’s able hands

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