No fewer than 120 students of University of Port Harcourt will graduate with First Class honours as the institution prepares to award degrees and certificates to 8,156 graduands at its 36th Convocation Ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, disclosed this during a pre-convocation press briefing in Port Harcourt, describing the achievement as a reflection of the university’s commitment to academic excellence, character development and service to humanity.
According to him, a total of 5,822 students will receive first-degree certificates, while 510 will earn postgraduate diplomas, 1,386 will be awarded Master’s degrees and 438 will graduate with Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
For the institution, the convocation is not only a celebration of academic accomplishment but also an opportunity to reflect on its growth and impact over the years.
“The success of UNIPORT is a collective achievement. Together, let us continue to chart a progressive course for the future with vision, innovation and unity of purpose,” Georgewill said.
The Vice-Chancellor announced that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, will deliver the convocation lecture.
He also highlighted several achievements recorded during his administration, including the establishment of the Faculty of Computing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and Faculty of Media and Communication, alongside major infrastructure projects and increased research output.
Georgewill noted that the university has expanded its scholarship scheme for indigent students through support from philanthropists and corporate partners, while also strengthening its international visibility through research collaborations, grants and innovation-driven initiatives.
Among projects completed during his tenure are a modern convocation arena, student hostels, lecture auditoriums, an innovation hub for South-South universities, a multipurpose research centre and solar-powered street lighting across parts of the campus.
Despite these gains, the Vice-Chancellor identified inadequate funding, shortage of office space, accommodation challenges, poor internal roads and the absence of perimeter fencing as key issues facing the institution.
“The university is porous because it is not fenced. This is a major challenge. Once that is addressed, many security-related issues will be resolved,” he said.
As the institution prepares to celebrate another graduating class, the emergence of 120 First-Class graduates stands as a defining highlight of a convocation that reflects both academic achievement and the university’s continuing pursuit of excellence.
Credit: TheGuardian
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