THIS WEEK IN RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

The following events took place in the University from Monday 9th September – Friday 13th September, 2024.

1. Harnessing skills, strategies and techniques for Research, writing and Grant management was the focus of the maiden Professor Onyewuchi Akaranta Grantsmanship Workshop. The hybrid workshop provided participants with hands-on experience on grant writing.

2. We hosted the 13th Emmanuel Egbogah Legacy Lecture Series titled “Framework for Utilizing Petroleum Wealth for Sustainable Development”. The Chair Occupant, of the  Professorial Chair and 7th Vice-Chancellor University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Joseph Atubokiki Ajienka conveyed the immense gratitude of the Foundation to participants for honouring the memory of late Dr. Emmanuel Egbogah.

3. The Management Board of the  U&C Microfinance Bank,  gathered to celebrate Dr. Felicia Ayuwo as she exited the Board after successfully serving out her tenure as the Bursar of the University.

4. In appreciation of our continued support to the Association, the University Librarian, Prof. Helen Emasealu led the Nigeria Library Association on a Thank-You visit to the University Management

5. We received the Local Organizing Committee led by the Chairman, Professor U.D. Chima and other members of the Committee of the Ecological Society of Nigeria on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor and discussed preparations towards the successful hosting of their 2024 Annual  Conference.

6. As a way of strengthening our security architecture, the University Management held a crucial meeting with Security Unit in the University where we underscored the need for stringent security measures to be adopted across all campuses to ensure security of staff and students.

7. As a means of check-mating social vices amongst our students, we banned drinking joints on campus and constituted a 6-man Committee headed by Prof. Nnenna Frank-Peterside to investigate cases of cult related activities and other social vices; and make appropriate recommendations to the University Management.

8. We received Prof. Elsie Umeano, the national president of the Neocycle Educational Psychologist Association of Nigeria, her Executive Council and members of the Local Organizing Committee on a courtesy visit. We commended them for choosing the University of Port Harcourt as destination for their 2024 Annual Conference and wished them a successful hosting.

9. The Centre for Information and Telecommunication Engineering held her Graduation Ceremony of the August/September, 2024 Bootcamp. The Director, School of Basic Studies, Prof. Udeme O. Georgewill who represented the Vice-Chancellor inspected the developed AI specified Robotics designed by the students with voice-command control at homes/offices and also gave prizes to the outstanding students. We commend Prof. Bourdilion O. Omijeh for such development.

10. The Vice-Chancellor, Wigwe University in company of the Mr. Roland I. Wabali (Registrar) and Prof. Joseph A. Ajienka, (member of the Governing Council) of the University paid a visit on the University Management in preparation for the full commencement of academic activities. 

11. We received awards from:

• Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) in recognition of our selfless service to humanity.
• Idumange Educational Foundation in acknowledgement of our sound educational policies and procedures.
• Elite Award by the Ibibio Students Association, Uniport Chapter for our student- friendly policies.
• Award of Excellence from the Centre of Information and Telecommunication Engineering in recognition of our passion for Youth Development in Emerging Digital Skills and Transformation.

12. We  received the Managing Director of Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) Mr. Akintunde Sawyer and his entourage who came on a sensitization visit to enlighten students on the Loan Scheme designed for them by the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We commended  Mr. Sawyer for the visit and encouraged our students to take advantage of the loan scheme.

We appreciate the roles you all played at your various designated units during the week under review.

I wish us all a happy weekend and public holiday.

Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill,
FRSB, FIIA, FWASOT, FCSI, FFs, FWASOP, FECRMI, FIARSA, FIHSC , DFCIHTMA.
Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt