RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

The following events took place in the University on Saturday 15th, Wednesday 19th – Friday 21st June, 2024

1. The  Student Union leadership beyond being a body that galvanizes the interest of students, offers practical leadership training and experience that shapes future leaders. The Comrade Azirindu led Student Union administration has commenced the construction of a Garden to provide relaxation spots for students of the University. The well-designed garden with modern aesthetics will also serve as outdoor reading facility for students. 

2. In the same spirit, we inspected the installation of speed breakers, another project initiated and sponsored by the Student Union to reduce over speeding on campus. The University Management appreciates the Union for such impactful initiatives.

3. In other to ensure strict compliance with approved government holidays and adherence to the general regulations guiding all activities in the University, the University Management held an emergency meeting with the Provost, College of Health Sciences, the Deans of Faculties, Heads of Departments and other stakeholders in the University to re-emphasize that no official University activities/programmes are held within such periods amongst other decisions. 

4. In line with the mandate of universities world over to contribute to the quest of national development, we received Professor Omokhua Godwin Ejakhe, the Executive Chairman, Edo State Forestry Commission. Omokhua, a Professor of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt who was recently appointed to the position by the Executive Governor of Edo State. The University Management commended him for the well-deserved appointment and urged him to positively reposition the Commission.

5. A robust and effective workforce is crucial to institutional growth and advancement with information technology as a major catalyst. In recognition of this enormous impact, the World Bank Centre for Oilfield Chemical Research organized a one-week certification course on Entrepreneurship and ICT Skills for students of the Department of Computing. We charged the participants to see the training as vital skills after graduation.

6. The University of Port Harcourt is gradually becoming the choice destination for the hosting of conferences by professional academic associations. The 2024 Biennial Conference of the Counselling Association of Nigeria, Rivers State Chapter (RIVCASSON) held at the University. Conference attendees presented papers on issues bothering on “Counselling and Emerging Mental Health Challenge for Economic and Social Adjustment” to enrich policy statements on the subject. We felicitated with the Association and wished them the very best. 

7. The Media regarded as the fourth estate of the realm plays a pivotal role in upholding quality service delivery. The Niger Delta Media Practitioners of Nigeria paid a courtesy visit to the University to acknowledge our modest contributions to the growth and advancement of education sector. The Group presented her valuable “Gold Achievers Award on us in recognition of our developmental strides in the University.

8. The University Library is a repository of academic materials and serene study environment, in view of this, we visited the remodelled office of the University Librarian and took a tour round the library facilities to ensure they are conducive for end users. We appreciated the University Librarian and encouraged staff of the University Library to continue to provide robust services to the University.

9. We participated in the external defence of doctoral students conducted by the School of Graduate Studies. We charged the soon to be certified doctorate degree holders to ensure they bring to bear the output of their research to development of the society.

10. We undertook an inspection visit to the construction site for the building of the English Language Laboratory. The Language Laboratory project is a private sponsored project by friends and strategic partners of the University. We also commended Prof. Psalms Chinaka and our strategic partners  for their immense contributions.

11. We met with the Muslim community to discuss of general concern. We held very fruitful deliberations on the continued need for peaceful coexistence of all staff, students and stakeholders with emphasis on religious freedom and respect for all faiths. 1-2pm on Fridays are prayer time for Muslim and must be so observed in the University. We will continue to foster good brotherhood amongst all staff, students and stakeholders.

12. ⁠We met with the Amadi family of Alakahia to resolve outstanding issues concerning the site for the ongoing construction of Solar Power Plant for the University, its teaching hospital and host communities. We had very fruitful deliberations.

13. ⁠The Principal officers met with the Acting Legal head of the University to discuss and make decisions on the Lagos liason buildings as it relates to the Lagos State Property development agency concerns.

14. We were at the Solar power plant site to inspect the activities of some unknown persons who are trying to build on the site of the ongoing construction. We took necessary steps to prevent further occurrence of such incidents at the site.

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