THIS WEEK IN RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

The following events took place in the University from Monday 15th – Friday 19th, July, 2024

1. As part of activities to mark our 3rd year in office, we held a Thanksgiving Service at Our Saviour’s Chapel, to appreciate God for His faithfulness and grace to steer the affairs of the University this far.

2. The 17th Governing Council of the University had its Inaugural Meeting at the Centre of Excellence Auditorium. The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Distinguished Sen. Mao Arukwe Ohuabunwa led other external and internal Council members to interact with the University Community at the 75th Congregation Meeting of the University. In marshalling out their plans for the University, the apex decision making body of the University stated that they were committed to improving the fortunes of the University by attracting external collaborations towards improving the quality of teaching and research through improved and constant power supply, quality on-campus student accommodation, research patents amongst others. The Council later took a tour across some University facilities and approved the re-constitution of Council Committees in the University.

3. As a way of improving administrative efficiency amongst top level academic staff, we organized a one-day capacity building session for Provost and Deans, Directors of Centres institutes and Head of Departments. The well attended training session will amongst other things strengthen institutional processes in the University.

4. In the same vein, the University of Port Harcourt Business School organized a 3-day capacity building workshop for entrepreneurs. The hybrid workshop stimulated discussion amongst industrial experts and the academia on the ever-growing opportunities in entrepreneurship. We commend Prof. Emeka Okereke and the Management of the Business School for such laudable initiative.

5. We participated in the annual Policy Meeting of the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) to consider and approve minimum score and age for admission into tertiary institutions across the country. The meeting signals the commencement of the admission process into respective institutions, and we shall commence the registration for Post-UTME immediately. According to statistics from the Board, the University is now a top 10 choice amongst students.

6. At the second edition of the Faculty of Law Public Lecture Series, the erudite jurist, Sir, Hon. Justice Biobele Abraham Georgewill JCA delivered a thought provoking discuss on two contemporary issues of law. We thanked him for maintaining such industry-university relationship that prepares our Law students with practical knowledge of the practice.

7. The University Community gathered to fete Prof. John Ikimalo, a renowned Obstetrics and Gynaecology expert and practitioner on his imminent retirement. The 30th valedictorian, Prof. Ikimalo in delivering his lecture established the need for academics to be entrepreneurs as a panacea for surviving the unsustainable economy. We wish one of our best (Prof. Ikimalo) a happy retirement.

8. In line with our determination to sustain the gains of SDG 4, another strategic partner and a staff of the University, Prof. Lucky Onotai, instituted a scholarship scheme for some indigent students. We charged the beneficiaries to justify the goodwill by taking their studies seriously. Whilst appreciating Prof. Onotai, we encourage well-meaning individuals to join for greater impact. 

9. Universities world over through solution driven research serves as a platform for individuals and organizations to leverage in advancing development. We received the Nigeria Army led by Maj. Gen E. O. Agbebaku and his team to the University to establish collaboration between both institutions. The visit necessitated by the achievements of CITE in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics will enhance the Army Heritage and Future Centre. 

10. In celebration of the World Public Relations Day, public relations experts and practitioners under the auspices of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) converged at the University of Port Harcourt to mark the annual event. We commended the Institute for choosing the University as a choice destination. 

11. In asserting our uniqueness, contingents from the University emerged champions at the LG K POP dance competition in Lagos. We are proud of our uniqueness. 

12. We received resource verification teams from the National Universities Commission as part of the Commission’s routine accreditation exercise. The Team included subject in Agriculture Economics and Advertising and Public Relations.

13. As a precautionary measure to forestall the breakdown of law and order on campus, the University Management has cordoned off the volleyball and tennis court opposite UBA. The cordoned area will in the meantime be highly restricted.

14. At the National Essay Competition organized by Futuremap Media, a student of the Department of Religious and Cultural Studies, Faculty of Humanities of the University emerged overall winner. Miss Tepillah Osademe emerged winner in this year’s essay competition on “Security the Future of Youths in ICT, Africa in Focus”. We celebrate this remarkable feat. 

15. As we strive to advance the frontiers of education, Dr. Kenneth Uzor led his team from Petralon Energy to offer scholarship to Engineering and Geology students of the University. We commend the organization for extending their CSR to the University. 

16. We received a joint team from NLNG/NCDMB led by Dr. Joshua Anemeje and other team members amongst whom is the project consultant of GOSHEN, Leonard Okafor to the University. The team presented a proposed plan to establish a Center of Excellence in the University with specific focus on benchmarking, construction, equipment procurement and centre operations. We thanked the team for choosing the University for this joint venture. 

17.  We commissioned the newly built students’ Recreational Garden. The Garden which is the initiative of the 2023/2024 Student Union Executive, would enable students relish after tedious study. We commended the students union for such a legacy project.

18. In recognition of our outstanding dedication and commitment to progress, development and growth of Nigerian students community in Rivers State, the Joint Campus Council of  the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) conferred on us, Doyen of Academic Award.

19. Similarly, the Uniport Department Presidents Forum (UDPF) conferred on the Vice-Chancellor, Best Administrator Award in recognition of his outstanding service in office

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