UNIPORT to Graduate Over 14,800 Students, Honour Tinubu, Wike, Others at 35TH Convocation

The University of Port Harcourt is set to confer degrees and diplomas on 14,861 graduands during its 35th convocation ceremony, which coincides with the institution’s golden jubilee celebration.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Owunari Georgewill made the announcement during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, outlining a week-long schedule of events running from July 21 to July 26.

The convocation will cover academic sessions from 2021/2022 and 2022/2023. Of the 9,788 undergraduates receiving first degrees, 363 will be awarded first-class honours.

In the postgraduate category, 2,008 will earn Postgraduate Diplomas, 2,131 will receive Master’s degrees, and 934 will be conferred with PhDs.

Professor Georgewill also disclosed that four prominent Nigerians will be honoured with doctorate degrees: First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; TETFund Chairman, Aminu Masari; and Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State.

Describing the convocation as a “season of harvest,” the Vice-Chancellor highlighted achievements in infrastructure, academics, and research.

He praised interventions from TETFund, Needs Assessment, and Capital Projects, which have led to the construction of new offices, renovation of buildings, and the improvement of academic environments across faculties.

“We now have some of the best laboratories, a modern sports complex, a counselling centre, a fully equipped health facility, an entrepreneurial centre, and a world-class Convocation Arena,” he said.

Georgewill also revealed a major renewable energy project — a 10.7MW solar hybrid plant under the UNIPORT Solar Farm initiative — being developed in partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency.

“When completed, it will supply steady electricity to the university, the teaching hospital, and surrounding communities. This marks a significant milestone in our renewable energy drive and journey towards sustainability and energy independence,” he added.

As part of the university’s academic growth, he announced the creation of three new faculties: Computing, Allied Health Sciences, and Media and Communications.

He noted that over 1,000 students have benefited from scholarships supported by 13 external sponsors, and that the university is now home to two World Bank-funded Africa Centres of Excellence — ACE-PUTOR (Public Health and Toxicological Research) and ACE-CEFOR (Oilfield Chemicals Research).

“These centres are playing a key role in human capital development and conducting world-class research with both regional and global impact,” he said.

Georgewill said UNIPORT is taking steps towards full digital transformation, with plans for specialised STEM labs, smart classrooms, cloud infrastructure, and access to virtual academic resources.

He also appealed for increased support to address critical needs including hostels, staff housing, road networks, streetlights, and additional administrative infrastructure.

However, he raised concern over ongoing encroachment on university land by unauthorized persons, calling for urgent action to protect the institution’s property.