The University of Port Harcourt, on Saturday, July 26, held the grand finale of its Golden Jubilee celebrations alongside its 35th Combined Convocation Ceremony, where 13,861 students who completed their academic programmes during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 sessions were awarded degrees. During the event, the university’s governing council unveiled plans to diversify revenue sources and reduce reliance on government funding.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 17th Governing Council, Senator Mao Arukwe Ohuabunwa, said the university must move towards financial self-sufficiency to meet the demands of a modern academic institution. He explained that since assuming office on July 4, 2024, the council has initiated policies aimed at repositioning the university for sustainability.
He added that the council is exploring internal revenue generation and seeking external funding through alumni engagement, donor partnerships, endowment initiatives, and international collaborations. These efforts are intended to build resilience against fluctuating government allocations.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill, said the university was established in 1975 as a college of the University of Lagos and noted that the convocation marks 50 years of the institution’s existence. He announced that 13,861 graduands were conferred degrees, including 9,788 first degrees, 2,008 postgraduate diplomas, 2,131 master’s degrees, and 934 doctoral degrees.
Professor Georgewill also acknowledged the Federal Government’s support, particularly under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which has provided interventions aimed at improving tertiary education in Nigeria.
The university awarded honorary doctorate degrees to four Nigerians in recognition of their service: First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Barrister Nyesom Wike, Governor of Adamawa State Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, and former Governor of Katsina State and TETFund Chairman Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari.
Among the dignitaries present were the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (CFR), government officials, university leaders, and alumni.
In his remarks to the graduating students, Professor Georgewill urged them to approach their futures with responsibility and the values gained during their time at the university. He described the convocation as a significant milestone marking the completion of their academic journey and the beginning of new challenges.
Senator Ohuabunwa reflected on the university’s five decades of service, describing it as an institution that has contributed to education and character development. He called on stakeholders across sectors to support the university’s efforts toward financial sustainability and continued academic progress.
