The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has named its newly constructed convocation arena after the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in recognition of his contribution to the institution’s development.
The arena, built during minister Wike’s tenure as governor of Rivers State in 2023, was officially inaugurated on Saturday by acting Governor of Rivers, Ibok Ibas, as part of activities marking the university’s 35th combined convocation and 50th anniversary celebrations.
UNIPORT vice-chancellor Owunari Georgewill noted that the university held its first convocation in 1982 in the old arena and now celebrates its 35th convocation in a modern facility provided by the Rivers government under Wike.
“We are proud today to celebrate the 35th convocation in our 50th year of existence in this fantastic edifice, built two years ago during Wike’s administration,” Mr Georgewill said.
In his remarks, acting governor Ibas commended Wike’s vision and commitment to educational development, describing the convocation arena as a symbol of progress.
“This ultra-modern convocation arena is a testament to what is possible when vision is aligned with commitment. Your Excellency, we honour your foresight,” Ibas said.
He added that the arena would serve not only as a venue for convocation ceremonies but also for dialogues, exhibitions and events that would shape future generations.
Wike, who is an alumnus of the university, was also conferred with an honorary doctor of political science (D.Sc Honoris Causa).
In his response, he expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, describing it as gratifying.
“I must place on record that my wife and entire family hold this honour as pre-eminent and totally gratifying. Our gratitude knows no bounds,” he said.
The FCT minister attributed his socio-political rise to the foundation laid at UNIPORT.
“I was educated both in character and learning. It is in the light of the foregoing that I have always strongly believed that every alumnus should give back to the university as a mark of pure gratitude,” he said.
Other recipients of honorary doctorate degrees at the ceremony include First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri and former Katsina State governor Aminu Masari, who chairs the board of trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
