The University of Port Harcourt (Uniport) has announced that 8,156 students will graduate during its 36th combined convocation ceremony scheduled for June 5 and 6.
Speaking during a media briefing at the university on Monday, Vice-Chancellor Professor Owunari Georgewill said 120 graduates who achieved first-class honours would be specially recognised during the event.
According to him, 5,822 students will receive first-degree certificates, while 510 will be awarded postgraduate diplomas. In addition, 1,386 students will earn Master’s degrees and 438 will receive Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) certificates.
The convocation programme began with a media briefing on Monday and will continue with a tree-planting ceremony by the overall best graduating student on Tuesday. Other activities include class-day celebrations and the Vice-Chancellor’s dinner on Wednesday, followed by Alumni Day, a research fair and exhibition, and a fireside chat on Thursday. The award of degrees and academic procession will take place on Friday and Saturday at the university’s new convocation arena.
Reflecting on the institution’s journey, Georgewill noted that Uniport, established in 1975 and granted federal university status in 1979, has grown into a leading centre for academic excellence, research, and community development. He attributed the university’s achievements to visionary leadership, government support, stakeholder collaboration, and a sustained commitment to excellence.
The vice-chancellor, whose tenure ends later this month, expressed gratitude to past and present governing councils, former vice-chancellors, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the institution’s growth.
He highlighted major infrastructural improvements made possible through federal government interventions, including support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Needs Assessment projects, and other funding initiatives. These interventions have facilitated the renovation of existing facilities, construction of new buildings, hostel rehabilitation, development of lecture theatres, an innovation hub, and the ongoing South-South zonal multipurpose laboratory project.
Georgewill also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiatives in higher education, noting that the university has benefited from several programmes, including the provision of electric tricycles to support environmentally friendly transportation on campus.
On student welfare, he disclosed that more than 1,000 students currently benefit from tuition assistance and academic mentorship programmes, describing the initiative as part of the university’s commitment to expanding access to quality education.
Despite these achievements, he acknowledged several challenges facing the institution, including land encroachment, inadequate funding, limited hostel accommodation, insufficient staff housing, poor internal road networks, inadequate street lighting, and the need for additional administrative and office buildings as well as improved campus security infrastructure.
Georgewill concluded by thanking students, alumni, benefactors, partners, and members of the university community worldwide, stressing that Uniport’s progress and successes have been the result of collective efforts and shared commitment.
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