THIS WEEK IN RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

The following events took place in the University from Monday 14th – Friday 18th, October, 2024

1. We continued with our routine inspection visit to examination centres to assess the level of compliance with examination regulations in the ongoing  2nd semester 2023/2024 semester examination and we are truly satisfied with  conduct of exam across the College/faculties

2. In line with the oversight function of the University, the Vice Chancellor joined the panel at the Final Defence of postgraduate students of the Department of Pharmacology at the postgraduate school and commended the thoroughness of the  external examiner, Prof. Ching Poh who currently serves as the National  President of the West Africa Society of Pharmacology.

3. The Vice-Chancellor also participated in the School of Graduate Studies external defence as two of his doctorate degree students successfully defended their thesis.

4. We received the Certificate Verification Committee (CVC) led by the chairman, Prof. Lucky Odokuma. The visit was to submit the result of the 2024 certificate verification exercise. The report contained a total number of 8644 students who had their entry requirement cleared as part of approved requirements for continuation and graduation.

5. The Centre for Disaster Risk Management in collaboration with NEMA, Shippers Council of Nigeria and other stakeholders organized a one day event in commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. The event which held at the CBN Centre of Excellence, University of Port Harcourt was to brainstorm and develop policy framework for disaster risk and management. In attendance were: industry experts, the academia and stakeholders amongst others The Centre presented to us an Award of Distinguished Icon for Humanitarian Ambassador in recognition of the University Management’s policies.

6. The Centre for Politics, University of Port Harcourt in partnership with the Victor Tulutu Briggs Foundation organized its maiden Youth Political Participation and Governance Training Programme. The initiative  was aimed at building the capacity of young people for responsible and non-violent politics. At the event, Victor Tulutu Briggs Foundation joined other strategic partners of the University to award scholarships to some indigent students.

7. It was a show of academic dexterity as Prof. Femi O. Shaka of the Department of Film and Multimedia Studies, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies delivered the 194th  Inaugural Lecture Series of University. The lecture tilted “ Cinema, Social Identity and Self-Representation” was indeed a five-star presentation.

8. We inaugurated the Board and Management Team of the ACE-PUTOR Consult and Investment Arm as the Centre prepares for the financial autonomy because World Bank funding of Africa Centre of Excellence nears its dateline. We urged the Board and Management Team to see the appointment as a call to reposition the centre beyond the world Bank sponsorship.

9. We received an Award of Excellence form the Edoxi Training Institute in recognition of our exemplary leadership and exceptional contributions to technological advancement, innovation, entrepreneurship and digital transformation.

10. The Registrar, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria Council of Nigeria administered the physician’s pledge to the newly qualified medical doctors of the University  at the 52nd Induction Ceremony. We charged the new inductees to embody the values learnt, pursue excellence, stand firm in ethical integrity and work relentlessly to enhance the life of the global community. The ceremony attracted members of the medical profession, families and friends amongst others.

11. The Centre for Gender, Conflict and Development Studies organized the 2nd International  Conference on Gender, Environment and  Development. The 2-day Conference had panel sessions, paper presentations to further explore the interconnectedness between gender, the environment and development. We commended the Director of the Centre and the Local Organizing Committee for their resilience. 

12. We inaugurated the newly elected Students Union Executive Council led by Comrade Harmony Lawrence and charged them to be intentional with their academic and focus on robust students’ welfare.

13. We executively approved one thousand six hundred and thirty-three Degree Results (1633) after due process of vetting by Degree Results Verification and Senate Business Committee. We applaud our amiable work force for their commitment to duty.

14. ⁠We received the Prochancellor and Chairman of Council Distinguished Senator Mao Ohuanbunwo, who was on a three day working visit to the University. Several issues that needed the attention of the Prochancellor were attended to during the working visit. 

15. ⁠A Council Committee on the Students Union Election issues of 2024 was set up by the Prochancellor to look at all the issues surrounding the 2024 students union elections with a view to proffering ways of addressing such issues in future elections. The Committee is headed by Pastor Ule Williams a member of Council and the National President of the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association.

16. The Council Committee on the effectiveness of the Centres in the University on the delivery of their mandate headed by Professor Clifford Ofurum held it’s physical interaction meeting with Directors of Centres in the University with a view of strengthening the operations of the centres for the maximal impact on the University.

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