TWO WEEKS RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT
The following events took place from Monday 24th February to Friday 7th March, 2025
1. The University of Port Harcourt in a grand style welcomed Chief Dr. Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the first daughter of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as a Special Guest of Honour at the celebration of the 12th Anniversary of the Centre for Logistics and Transport Studies of the University. In appreciation of her presence and contribution to the Centre a life-sized portrait and a distinguished Iconic Leader Award was conferred on her. The anniversary celebration had notable attendees as the Reps. of Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, DG NIMASA, MD NDDC and other notable stakeholders in the transport industry.
The Centre also conferred on the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari A. George will, CELTRAS Brand Personality Award for 2025.
2. In memory of the Late Emeritus Professor Nimi Dimkpa Briggs, the University of Port Harcourt in collaboration with the NImi Briggs Professorial Chair organized the Second Nimi Dimkpa Briggs Legacy Lecture Series. The Lecture titled “the Longevity of the Man” chronicled the life-long ideas of Prof. Briggs who in his lifetime, distinguished himself as a renowned medical practitioner, academic, administrator, humanist and a global influencer. The Lecture had in attendance family members of the renowned academic, distinguished academics, medical practitioners, captains of industries and members of the University Community. Indeed, the ideas of Prof. Briggs lives on. We commend Prof. Ngozi Orazulike, the Chair Occupant of the Nimi Briggs Professorial Chair for the well-organized legacy lecture.
3. At the 196th Inaugural Lecture series of the University of Port Harcourt delivered by Professor Bourdillion Omijeh of the Department of Electrical Engineering, the Inaugural Lecturer showed mastery of the subject matter by distinguishing himself as both a teacher and an innovator in the use of embedded systems which he termed the game changer in industrialization. The simple approach in defining the complex concept of embedded systems was a major highlight of the event. We commend the Inaugural Lecturer for his contributions to knowledge in the world of Internet Technology and its numerous impacts on the University.
4. As part of our avowed commitment to stemming the tide of anti-social behavior in the University, we received the Professor Nnenna Frank-Peterside Committee report which has proposed far-reaching recommendations. As a responsive University Management, we are committed to implementing the recommendations upon the approval of the University Senate. We commended members of the Committee for the very detailed report.
5. We participated at the one-day sensitization visit of the National Pension Commission organized for retiring professors in the South-South region of the country. The sensitization programme centered on the programmed withdrawal template for professors and we commended the management of PenCom for driving this pilot initiative geared towards ease of accessing retirement benefits.
6. We received the Channels TV media crew as we granted an interview to the team on the remarkable impact of the NELFUND scheme, an initiative of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR under the Renewed Hope Agenda. The ease of accessing the loan and the promptness in payment has led in the upsurge of payment of statutory charges in the University whilst also contributing to a more efficient university management.
7. As part of activities to mark the internment of a matriarch, Late Mrs Ibikuroa Dominic Uyanga, the beloved mother-in-law of the Vice-Chancellor, a solemn mass was held in her honour at the University Chaplaincy and interment at Ediene, Ikot Ayan, Akwa Ibom State. We appreciate members of the University Community, family and friends for their support and attendance.
8. We attended the 25th Public Lecture series of the Faculty of Management Sciences delivered by Dr. Egbe Solomon, the Head of Department, Accounting. The thought-provoking lecture on “Accounting for Economic Reality: Truth, Lies, or Bullshit? highlighted the contributions of accounting to economic realities by identifying the truths and misconceptions.
9. As measures to curb the rising electricity bill and the need for efficient energy management on campus, the University Management had in separate forums met with business owners on campus and staff members resident on campus to brainstorm on ways to manage electricity consumption. Several resolutions were reached as regards cost cutting approach and efficient power management. The meeting had in attendance the Regional Manager of PHED and his team.
10. Student-led initiatives are critical in the development of university infrastructure, hence, we joined the Management staff of the Faculty of Management Sciences to commission the newly designed and built sign post of the Faculty donated by the Faculty of Management Sciences Students’ Association (FAMSSA) under the leadership of Comr. Chidi Emmanuel. We commended the student body and urged other students’ led executives to emulate the idea.
11. Again, the University of Port Harcourt attracts TetFund sponsored intervention as the National Universities Commission approves the selection of the University of Port Harcourt as institution for TetFund TSAS Intervention. With this, the University will be an institution for the local components on TSAS. We are grateful to the Federal Government and the NUC for the trust bestowed on us and we are committed to deliverables of this initiative.
12. We received the newly elected executive members of the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT). The delegation led by the branch Chairman, Comrade Odike officially presented themselves to the University Management and we promised to maintain the cordial relationship existing between the University Management and campus based unions.
13. We visited the Trade Commissioner of Canada in Nigeria, Zaya Kuyena. He received us alongside some other members in his delegation. We opened discussions on areas of mutual interest including Exchange and Linkage programmes for faculty members and other research based collaborations. The visit was facilitated by Badom Greatman an alumnus of the University.
14. The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria at the 13th Induction Ceremony administered oath to the newly graduated pharmacists. The oath was administered by the President, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Prof. Azuka Opara who was ably represented by Dr. Anthony Idoko. The event had eminent pharmacists, esteemed guests of honour and family members and friends of graduands grace the induction ceremony.
15. We joined the Institute of Nigeria Delta Studies and the Community Ecological Restoration Society to celebrate the 2025 world wildlife day. The need to invest in people, innovation and the planet were underscored as essential for wildlife conservation. The event attracted nature enthusiasts and scholars amongst other attendees as the need for environmental conservation was reinforced. We commend the Director, INDS and the Community of Ecological Restoration Society for their partnership and success of the event.
16. We participated in the School of Graduate Studies oral defense for PhD students organized for students in the Faculty of Education and was satisfied with the depth of research and intellectual display.
17. We received the following University-based student led associations/arm on a courtesy visit to the University Management
– Newly sworn-in Senators of the Senate Arm of the University of Port Harcourt Students’ Union
– Newly elected Executive members of the Dental Students Association
– Executive members of the Medical Students Association
And we charged them to remain dedicated to their academics while discharging their duties with integrity and the fear of God.
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
