As the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) marks its 50th anniversary, the institution is preparing to graduate nearly 15,000 students during a convocation ceremony slated for 21–26 July.
At a media briefing, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Owunari Georgewill announced that 14,861 students will receive degrees, diplomas, and certificates, including 363 first-class honours in a combined convocation for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic years.
The postgraduate category will see 2,008 Postgraduate Diplomas, 2,131 Master’s degrees, and 934 PhDs conferred.
The event will also honour four distinguished Nigerians with honorary doctorates, including First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, TETFund Chairman Aminu Masari, and Adamawa Governor Umaru Fintiri.
Describing the event as a moment of academic and institutional reflection, Prof. Georgewill highlighted key developments, such as infrastructure upgrades, new academic faculties, and growing international research collaborations.
He revealed that the university had secured major federal funding support for structural renovations and new developments, including state-of-the-art laboratories, health and counselling centres, sports facilities, and a world-class Convocation Arena.
A major highlight is the university’s 10.7-megawatt solar hybrid power project, designed to boost energy independence and sustainability. In partnership with the Rural Electrification Agency, the project will eventually power the university, the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), and nearby communities.
In line with global academic trends, UNIPORT has launched three new faculties: Computing, Allied Health Sciences, and Media and Communication. Over 1,000 students have been awarded scholarships through partnerships with 13 private and public sponsors.
The university also hosts two World Bank-funded Africa Centres of Excellence—in Public Health and Toxicology (ACE-PUTOR), and Oilfield Chemical Research (ACE-CEFOR)—as part of its strategic push into research with regional and global significance.
Prof. Georgewill said digital transformation was at the heart of UNIPORT’s vision, with plans for smart classrooms, STEM labs, digital libraries, and virtual learning environments underway.
Despite progress, he appealed for more support to address urgent needs, such as hostels, staff accommodation, road infrastructure, administrative facilities, and an end to land encroachment on university property.
