THIS WEEK IN RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

The following events took place from Monday 31st   March to Friday 4th April, 2025

1. As part of their give-back measures to the University of Port Harcourt, the U83 Medical Graduate has commenced work on the remodelling of the Delta Park gate of the University. At completion, the entrance leading to the Delta Campus of the University will be overhauled considering the aesthetic importance of such a strategic site of the University. The U83 set of which the Vice-Chancellor is a member had previously carried out the remodelling of the two gates at the Abuja Campus. We commend them for this kind gesture to their alma mater. 

2. The Admissions Office serves as a gateway and more often the first port of call for undergraduate admission seekers and parents/guardians alike. In recognition of this strategic importance, the construction of the first ever Admissions Office building has commenced as we performed the groundbreaking exercise. We are hopeful that the building will be completed in the shortest possible time.  

3. A befitting Students’ Centre is a commonplace facility in most universities and as such the construction of an exquisite student centre in the University has reached advanced stages. The facility when completed will serve as a multipurpose arena for recreation, research and learning.

4. Stable power supply remains a major challenge for most Nigerian universities, a situation which will soon be extinct at the University of Port Harcourt. The construction of the solar farm, an initiative of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR administration through the Rural Electrification Agency will at completion provide uninterrupted power supply to the entire University Community, the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and host communities. We look forward to the commissioning of the project as soon as possible.

5. In recognition of the expansion in students intake and the growing need to expand our existing health facility, the construction of additional facilities to cater for the staff and students communities becomes necessary. We undertook an inspection tour to the ongoing project at the Health Services Department to assess the pace of work and ensure we deliver on our mandate of providing quality health care for members of the University community.

6. The University of Port Harcourt continues to be the destination of choice for Thespian as the institution is renowned for her immense contributions to the Nollywood industry and beyond. In keeping with standards to our rating, the construction of a more befitting “Crab” is almost completed and will be commissioned soon.

7. We received a delegation from the International Council for Traditions of Music and Dance (ICTMD) in preparations for the hosting of an international symposium. The Ag. Head, Music Department led other members of the team to formally inform the University Management of the choice of the University as host for the international symposium. We commended staff members of the Department of Music for attracting such an international event to the University. 

8. Similarly, the University is set to play host to all Pharmacists in Academia. The event is expected to bring together experts in various subdiscipline of Pharmacy at the University for knowledge sharing and research collaborations.

9. As part of our collaboration with the University of Ottawa, we received a lead researcher and renowned scholar in the field of Nursing, Professor Etowa Josephine. The week-long visit afforded the visiting scholar the opportunity to interact with staff and students at the ACE-PUTOR.

10. As the University continues to attract national and international conferences and workshops, preparations are in top gear for the hosting of the International Conference on Theatre and Film focused on the creative economy, digital innovation and sustainable development. We assured the Local Organizing Committee and the Department of our continued support towards a successful conference.

11. At the invitation of the Management of the Wigwe University, we participated at the Welcome Back ceremony organized by the Wigwe University for her staff and students. We charged the University community to continue to uphold the high standard and values of the founder.

12. We participated in the 10th anniversary of the ACE-CEFOR, University of Port Harcourt. Over the past decade, ACE-CEFOR has produced a new generation of highly trained experts who are globally competitive in oilfield chemicals research, ensuring that Africa remains a major player in the energy sector. At the event which drew staff and industry partners from all walks of life, we charged the Centre Leader on sustainability plans to keep up with the purpose of ACEs establishment. 

13. ⁠We went round to assess the conduct of the First semester examinations of the University across various faculties and the College of Health Sciences. We are pleased with the progress and the conduct of staff and students at the various examination venues. The prompt commencement of the examinations is quite commendable

14. ⁠As the University prepares for the next round of elections into governing council of the University, we urge all contestants to play by the rules of the nomination processes and the elections proper. We wish all the candidates the best of luck in their intentions to serve the university and humanity in various areas of the University Council either as council members or council subcommittees members.

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