TWO WEEKS RETROSPECT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

The following events took place in the University from Monday 21st October – Friday 1st  November, 2024.

1. We are indeed unique because we thrive on excellence. At the maiden edition of the Annual Inter-Institutional Quiz Competition sponsored by Taj Bank, Infinix and Talent Hub Nigeria for tertiary institutions in the South-South geopolitical region of Nigeria, University of Port Harcourt contingent at the competition emerged overall winners of the competition. The competition which featured questions from Islamic knowledge, general knowledge, English and Literature and Mathematics was rigorous and very competitive. We commend our Muslim students for showcasing the rich academic excellence of the University.

2. “The Tale of the Unseen Workforce in the Journey to Sustainable Environment” was the centerpiece of an enlightening and engaging inaugural lecture delivered by Professor Chioma Blaise Chikere of the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science as she presented the 190th Inaugural Lecture Series of the University. The Inaugural Lecturer underscored her extensive contributions to knowledge which has immensely improved research outcome and body of literature on microbial ecology and the role of science and innovation in combating environmental challenges.

3. We received the Chairman, Governing Board of the Institute of Petroleum and Energy Studies (IPES) formerly the Institute of Petroleum Studies (IPS), Dr. Yakubu Belgori on a courtesy visit to the University Management. The Institute of Petroleum Studies was the first real University/Industry collaboration initiated during Emeritus Professor Nimi D. Brigg’s tenure as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt. The initiative has since resulted in the establishment of more such collaborations. We commended the Governing Board and Management Team of IPES for their leadership and perspective on the importance of more industrial beneficial partnerships.

4. We received another recognition from the Office of the Director, Socials, University of Port Harcourt in appreciation of our continued resolve to advance students’ welfare in the University.

5. In line with the holistic approach of the Ashgrove Academy towards achieving a fine blend of quality education and social life, the Academy organized a Saturday morning walk for her boarding students.

6. Similarly, we participated in the one day training workshop organized by the Management of Ashgroove Academy of the University on the critical role that work ethics plays in driving efficiency and productivity.

7. Again, the University of Port Harcourt harvests more scholarship opportunities for her students. Scholarship award letters were issued to beneficiaries of the Engr. Kosile Nelson and Hon. Victor Tulutu Briggs scholarship scheme. We commend our strategic partners for the concerted efforts towards increasing the number of students benefitting from the respective scholarship schemes. 

8. We received the Dean, Faculty of Computing, Prof. Leticia Onyejegbu and members of the Faculty who visited the University Management to present items received from the EDOXI Training Institute, Dubai and NLNG to support teaching and learning in the Faculty. Some of the items included, Raspberry-Pi’s, Routers and Laptops.

9. We participated in the Opening Ceremony of the Physicians’ week 2024 held at the NMA House, Port Harcourt. The week is set aside to celebrate medical doctors and their accomplishments in the year under review and also to dialogue on ways and means of  advancing healthcare in the country. The theme “talent retention in health care system; acceptable universal remuneration scheme” is apt owing to the increasing brain drain in the profession.

10. We congratulate Dr. Juliet Alex-Nmecha on her emergence and appointment by the Governing Council of the Rivers State University as the University Librarian. Dr. Juliet Alex-Nmecha is an Associate Professor, Department of Library Science, University of Port Harcourt sequel to her appointment. She joins the league of our top worthy managerial exports in and outside the state. We urge her to credibly discharge her role as a unique ambassador of the University.

11. We inaugurated the newly elected Faculty Presidents and their executives. The faculty executives were elected at their respective faculty elections and we charged them to see the opportunity as a call to service and improve the lot of their fellow students. 

12. As the School of Basic Studies records an upsurge in the number of applicants, we conducted a CBT for applicants into the pre-degree programme. We commend the focused leadership of the Director, Prof. Udeme Owunari Georgewill and her team. 

13.  We received an Award from the Nigerian Sociological and Anthropological Students Association in appreciation for our strategic and inspirational leadership style.

14. Also, the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies presented an award of honour in recognition of our outstanding guidance, legacy and mentorship to the student body.

We appreciate the roles you all played at your various designated units during the weeks 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