THIS WEEK IN RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

The following events took place from Monday 3rd to Friday 7th February, 2025.

1. In our bid to improve the security of lives and property on campus, we engaged a new security company for Abuja Campus of the University. The change from Sheriff Deputies to Capital Security is geared towards enhanced security facilities and patrol on campus. We charged the new security outfit to live up to the terms of the signed contract and we look towards a harmonious working relationship.

2. The University of Port Harcourt has instituted the celebration of Annual Innovation Week to celebrate innovative academic and research outcomes. This year’s theme _”The Future Now: Creativity and Innovation for Sustainable Development”_ had several faculties/departments exhibiting and showcasing their research exploits and bridging the gap between the academia and the industry. The keynote speaker was a former Director General, National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Engr. Umar Buba Bindir. We congratulate the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (R&D), Prof. Iyeopu Siminialayi and his team for a well-organized innovation week.

3. We received a delegation from the NCDMB-NLNG on a working visit as part of the process of establishing a world class Gas Centre of Excellence. The Centre when completed would provide a robust framework for quality research in Engineering, Petroleum and Gas related issues.

4. As part of our engagement activities towards the celebration of the 50th Jubilee Anniversary of the University, the University Management and members of the Celebration Committee led by the Chairman, 50th Jubilee Anniversary Committee, Prof. Clifford Ofurum paid a courtesy visit to the King of Bonny Kingdom, King Edward People. The visit afforded the Committee the opportunity to seek support from the eminent statesman for the celebration of the 50th jubilee anniversary.

5. The new Convocation Arena was filled to the brim as newly admitted year-one students were hosted to an orientation exercise. The orientation exercise is a compulsory annual exercise organized to introduce new students to the rules and regulations guiding their general conduct in the University. The event witnessed several pep talks ranging from University General Regulations and Guidelines, Morals, Academic Excellence, Discipline, Alumni, Health, Security amongst others. We charged the students to thrive for academic excellence being the major reason for their studentship.

6. Prof. Udeme Owunari Georgewill continues her advocacy for an all-round excellence of the girl child. The President of the University of Port Harcourt Women Association and wife of the Vice-Chancellor commenced her Annual Faculty-Wide Tour to sensitize female students on the need to balance beauty with brain. She urged our female students to uphold the virtue of their womanhood by striving to be both academically and morally excellent.

7. We were at the investiture of the pioneer Chairman and inauguration of the ICAN Obio/Akpor & District Society, a new district in Rivers State. The inauguration of the chapter and investiture of Dr. Chioma O. Ojukwu was performed by the National President of ICAN, Chief Davidson Chizuoke S. Alaribe FCA. The pioneer Chapter Chairman, Dr. Ojukwu is a Lecturer with the Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Port Harcourt. We extend our warmest felicitations to the newly inaugurated chapter executive and urged them to show exemplary leadership.

8. We honoured the Invitation of the Senate Committee on Procurement at the National Assembly on Oversight and Assessment of TETFund Intervention Projects in Tertiary Institutions.  The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research & Development, Director Procurement and the TETFund Desk Officer represented the University and we are glad to report that Uniport is on right-standing and we shall continue to do our best in the interest of our nation.

9. We participated in the 1st Induction Ceremony for newly qualified medical doctors at the Rivers State University. We congratulated the Provost of the Medical School and the Vice Chancellor of the Rivers State University for this outstanding achievement 

10. ⁠Training on enhancing learning outcomes and students employability was carried out at the faculties of Agriculture and Pharmaceutical Sciences in continuation of our desire to strengthen the faculties. The DAP and her deputy will continue on this program with other faculties

11. Dr Aroloye Numbere the Coordinator of Biology and Biotechnology of the School of Science Laboratory Technology in the spirit of giving gifted new laptops to staff of the BBT unit to inspire and encourage them to excel. We commended Dr Numbere for this initiative.

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