THIS WEEK IN RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT
The following events took place in the University from Monday 8th – Friday 12th, July, 2024.
1. We commenced physical verification exercise of all staff. The staff audit exercise will amongst other things identify and purge staff who have been away from the University without approved leave.
2. As a way of curbing the incidences of sexual harassment in the University, we launched the Reviewed Sexual Harassment Policy of the University and re-constituted a Committee to ensure implementation of the policy. The launching programme of the reviewed document had staff and students in attendance amongst other actors with a commitment to ensuring full enforcement of the content of the policy.
3. The remarkable impact of our alumni across the globe positions the University in a positive light. We received with great excitement the news of Maureen, Chinua Achebe’s daughter, an alumnus of the College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt as she wins the Harvard Medical School Award.
4. We received an invitation to speak at the QS Africa Forum 2024 in Accra Ghana. QS is a global higher education think-tank known mainly as a compiler of the most authoritative and referenced global university and business school rankings. This year’s theme “Empowering Africa’s Youth: Integrating Entrepreneurship, Future Skills, and AI/Technology in Education for a Sustainable Future” with the array of academics and industry experts will enrich higher education in Africa.
5. The Theatre Arts Department in collaboration with the Institute of Arts and Culture, University of Port Harcourt is set to premiere a command-performance “signs and wonders” to mark the 3rd Year Anniversary of this Administration. The command-performance and unveiling of the “Three Year Anniversary Feedback” is written by Dr. Sunday Edum and Barr. Obinuchi Chimezule.
6. The Basic Studies Unit of the University has concluded its 2023/2024 academic session. The pre-degree programme offers pre-varsity classes that prepare candidates for admission into institutions of higher learning. The Basic Studies Unit Board shall meet to consider and recommend successful candidates for admission into Degree Programmes for the 2024/2025 academic session. We commend the Director, Basic Studies Unit, Prof. Udeme Georgewill and staff of the Unit for maintaining the high standards of the programme.
7. The University of Port Harcourt Student Union Executive Council and other student leaders in the University of Port Harcourt were nominated to be trained and supported on Research, Strategic Projects Implementation, Life-Skills for early preparedness for effective and efficient leadership. The programme which is co-sponsored by the Centre for Development Support Initiative – CEDSI Nigeria, the Macarthur and Ford Foundation as well as LEAP Africa has commenced its Governance and Leadership training for Student Union leaders across the country and we are glad that our student union is fully represented.
8. In the same vein, our student union representatives were at the both chambers of the National Assembly to observe plenary proceedings in the Senate and the House of Representatives. The rare visit to the hallowed chambers is expected to expose emerging leaders to the process of policy making.
9. Again, the University of Port Harcourt is set to host another National Summit/Workshop. The National Artificial Intelligence is set to host the 2024 National AI workshop in the University in collaboration with other relevant agencies.
10. The University of Port Harcourt in partnership with the University of Groningen, Faculty of Arts held an International Conference on Environmental History in the Niger Delta. The two-day Conference will see academics and industry experts from across the world converge to discuss “Oil, Environment, & Lifeworlds in the Niger Delta: Environmental History Approaches”.
11. The University of Port Harcourt is unique for a reason. We celebrate Ifeanyi Uboh and Vincent Adewoye – students of the university who made the Nigeria cricket squad for the Kenya bilateral series. We wish them and their handlers a very successful tournament.
12. Yet again, University of Port Harcourt wins big as we celebrate the emergence of our student in the Department of Fine Arts and Design as winner in the 2024 Art Competition of the Nigeria Military. We congratulate the Department and the student for the win.
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
