TWO WEEKS RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT
The following events took place in the University from Monday 11th – Friday 22nd November, 2024
1. We participated in the World Conference on Education, Research and Policy (WCERP-24). The Conference had in attendance key stakeholders from the education sector from across the world.
2. The Herbert Wigwe University held its maiden Matriculation Ceremony for her newly 2024/2025 admitted students. As part of our support role to the new institution, we participated in the Matriculation Ceremony and wish the Management, Staff and Students a promising future.
3. We held Tenders Board meeting to consider and approve bids and quotations for proposed projects in the University.
4. The Governing Council Committee on the Review of Lease Agreements, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), Revenue Operations and Partnerships in the University held its meeting and interacted with Directors/Finance Officers of Centres/Units and is expected to submit a detailed report to the Governing Council.
5. We received an Award from the Officials Magazine as the Pillar of Education in the Niger Delta in recognition of our dedication to transparency, accountability and good governance.
6. We also received an Award of excellence from the Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, University of Port Harcourt in recognition of our immense contributions to administrative and educational development of the University.
7. The Graduate Students’ Association, University of Port Harcourt also presented to the Vice-Chancellor, an Award for Innovative and TransformativeLeadership.
8. We had a crucial meeting with the Director and Coordinators of CEBAS to brainstorm on ways to improve on the University’s aesthetics and ensure a clean environment across our three (3) campuses. We resolved to review the work attitude and ensure compliance with all aspects of our policies on environmental management.
9. The founder of Arm of Hope Foundation, Apostle Eugene Ogu in company of some beneficiaries of the Foundation paid a courtesy visit to the University Management in appreciation for our support to students of the Foundation. The Foundation through her philanthropic gesture sponsors the education of several students from under-privileged backgrounds. We commended the founder and urged the beneficiaries to optimize the opportunity.
10. At the TetFund National Research Fair and Exhibition held in Abuja, the University of Port Harcourt team led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Development, Prof. Iyeopu Siminialayi achieved an impressive recognition as two products from the University powered by CITE were selected from over 3000 entries after a very competitive process. The AI Enhanced Smart Green House for Agriculture and the AI Adaptive Home Automation System for Maximum Management of Energy Usage were the two products accepted at the Research Fair. We commend the team for such their exceptional exhibition.
11. We received the Zonal Director of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Mrs. Amina Adaji who conveyed the felicitations of the JAMB Registrar to the University Management. We held discussions on issues bordering on admissions and other related matters with a firm resolve to strengthen the relationship between both institutions.
12. The Faculty of Agriculture joined the world in celebration of the 2024 World Agriculture Week focusing on the need to sensitize the world on the pressing challenges of food insecurity. The week was heralded with several activities including exhibition and food fair, lectures from agricultural experts and stakeholders and sensitization programme to cross section of participants. We commend the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Udensi and the Faculty for sensitizing the University Community on the increasing threat of food insecurity. The Faculty of Agriculture also presented an Award to the Vice-Chancellor in recognition of his Exemplary Leadership
13. As part of the core requirements for the continuation of degree programmes in the University, we received several teams from the National Universities Commission to undertake the 2024 accreditation exercise and also hosted them to an exit meeting. The following programmes had their accreditation exercise:
- Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture
- Department of Finance and Banking, Faculty of Management Sciences
14. We played host to the Diabetes Association, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital Chapter led by Prof. Chinenye and Mrs. Iworima as they paid the University Management a courtesy visit in preparation for the celebration of the World Diabetes Day 2024. As part of activities marking the Celebration on Thursday, 28th November, 2024, the Association will organize a health walk and then offer free sensitization talk and diabetes screening test at the Ebitimi Banigo Auditorium. The aim of this year’s celebration is to further underscore the need for early detection and treatment. As a way to further improve the health of members of the University Community, we have directed the Health Services Department to reactivate the annual medical check-up for staff on their birthdays.
15. The Centre for Gender Conflict and Development Studies, University of Port Harcourt presented to us an honorary award in recognition of our outstanding services to humanity.
16. The Information Communication and Technology Centre (ICTC) has through the intervention of the Federal Government under the Ministry of Education received several pieces of automated solar-enabled systems as part of her drive for the improvement of digital infrastructure. The Director and members of the ICTC Unit paid a visit to the University Management in appreciation of the Federal Government Intervention.
17. The “Empower Africa” is an initiative of Professor Magnus Kpakol, the former Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. We received Prof. Kpakol and other members in his delegation to the University and had exhaustive deliberation on possible need for partnership between the University and his organization aimed at human capital development, agriculture, technology and engineering development. We are hopeful that the partnership when entered will be beneficial to the University.
18. We participated in the Part II MBBS oral examination in the Department of Pharmacology. We commended the external examiner for his thoroughness in accessing the students and commencing the examination on schedule. We posed for a group picture with the external examiner after the consideration and approval of the result. We extend our congratulations to all successful students from the examination.
19. .At the Special Convocation to pay the last respect to our departed colleague, Prof. Chidi Obi of the Faculty of Sciences, the University Management, members of the University Senate, staff, students, family and friends gathered to pour encomiums on the late academic icon. It was evident from the testament from colleagues and students alike that Prof. Obi had an impactful time while he lived. We once again commiserate with the family at this time of grief.
20. In preparation for the resumption of academic activities, we went round the halls of residence, classrooms, student affairs department and admissions office to carry out fumigation as part of activities for a safe learning and living environment. We have also ensured the replacements of worn out mattresses and are happy with the progress of admission so far.
21. We received the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Bar. Chris Green on an inspection visit to the University of Port Harcourt Sports Complex as part of the preparations by the Rivers State Government to host the Federal Public Service Games.
22. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill has been appointed by the Visitor, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to represent him at the 49th/50th Convocation Ceremony and 54th Founder’s Day of the University of Benin on Saturday, 23rd November, 2024. The Vice-Chancellor is expected to deliver the speech of the visitor amongst other activities to be performed by the Visitor
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
