363 bag first class as UNIPORT graduates 14,861 at 35th convocation
The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) is preparing to confer degrees on 14,861 graduands during its 35th convocation ceremony, set to take place from July 21 to July 26, 2025.
The institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill, revealed this information on Monday during a press briefing in Port Harcourt, as part of activities celebrating the university’s 50th anniversary.
He stated that the convocation would involve the awarding of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, diplomas, honorary degrees, and prizes to students who completed their studies in the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 academic years.
“A total of 9,788 students will receive first degrees, with 363 of them bagging first-class honours,” Georgewill revealed.
In the postgraduate category, 2,008 graduands will be awarded postgraduate diplomas, 2,131 will obtain master’s degrees, and 934 will be granted Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
The university also intends to confer honorary doctorate degrees on four notable Nigerians. Those being honoured include the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; TETFund Chairman, Aminu Masari; and Governor Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State.
Calling the convocation “a symbolic season of harvest”, Georgewill said it is an opportunity for the university to evaluate its successes and challenges, particularly in the areas of research, infrastructure, and academic advancement.
Discussing infrastructural improvements, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the progress made through support from the Federal Government, Needs Assessment, TETFund, and Capital Project interventions.
“These interventions have led to the renovation of existing structures, construction of new office buildings, and upgrading of learning environments across various faculties,” he said.
He further stated that UNIPORT now possesses some of the most advanced laboratories in Nigeria, a modern sports facility, well-equipped health centres, a guidance and entrepreneurial centre, and a state-of-the-art convocation arena.
Focusing on the university’s aim for energy self-sufficiency, Georgewill announced that work is underway on a 10.7-megawatt solar hybrid power project in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), as part of the UNIPORT Solar Farm initiative.
“This marks a significant milestone in our renewable energy drive and journey towards sustainability and energy independence,” he stated.
He also announced the establishment of three new faculties: Computing, Allied Health Sciences, and Media and Communications — reflecting the university’s continued academic growth.
On matters relating to student welfare, he mentioned that more than 1,000 students had received scholarships from 13 different external sponsors. He also praised the university’s rising international reputation, referencing the creation of two Africa Centres of Excellence (ACEs), ACE-PUTOR and ACE-CEFOR, which are supported by the World Bank.
“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 stated that the university is transitioning towards becoming fully digital, with intentions to develop specialised labs, STEM laboratories, smart classrooms, and cloud-based systems to enhance access to academic materials.
Nonetheless, he appealed for increased funding to enable continued growth, including the development of additional student hostels, staff housing, internal roads, and office facilities.
The Vice-Chancellor also expressed concern over persistent encroachment on the university’s land by unauthorised individuals, urging the government to step in and protect the institution’s property.
