The University of Port Harcourt has conferred an honorary Doctor of Science (DSc Honoris Causa) on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Nyesom Wike.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, presented the letter of conferment to the former Rivers State governor at his Abuja residence on Wednesday, noting that the official ceremony will take place on July 26 as part of activities marking the institution’s 50th anniversary.
Georgewill said the university’s Senate reached the decision in recognition of Wike’s contributions to national development and his unwavering support for the university. “Today marks the beginning of the 50th anniversary celebration of the University of Port Harcourt, and there is no better place to commence the ceremony than where we are today,” the VC said.
“You are also a distinguished alumnus of the university… Your footprints are just there for everybody to see. We are proud to be associated with you.”
“Today marks the beginning of the 50th anniversary celebration of the University of Port Harcourt, and there is no better place to commence the ceremony than where we are today,” the VC said.
“You are also a distinguished alumnus of the university… Your footprints are just there for everybody to see. We are proud to be associated with you.”
The Registrar and Secretary to Council, Gloria Chinda, in a letter dated June 10, officially conveyed the university’s decision. She described the Senate’s resolution as a tribute to Wike’s “visionary leadership and outstanding contributions to governance in Rivers and Nigeria.”
“The conferment will be made at the 35th Convocation Ceremony scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 26, 2025,” the letter read.
Also speaking, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, commended the minister’s enduring relationship with the institution.
“In every endeavour of your life, you have made us proud.
When you were Chairman of Obio-Akpor LGA, you defended the university.
As Minister of Education, you attracted key developments including the Faculty of Law, which you also built.
As Governor, you constructed one of the best Convocation Arenas in West Africa,” Ohuabunwa noted.
He further disclosed that the newly constructed convocation arena, to which Wike also donated a multimedia centre, would be inaugurated on July 25.
In his response, Wike expressed gratitude for the honour, describing the university as instrumental to his personal and professional journey.
“For me, it is the university that gave me everything.
I am a proud alumnus of the university where I first studied Political Science before studying Law,” Wike said.
“If I am in a position to do more for my university, I will continue to do it.”
He added that his decision to establish the Faculties of Law and Social Sciences during his tenure as minister stemmed from a desire to strengthen the university’s academic profile.
“I happily accepted the offer on behalf of my family, my wife, and my friends, and I promise to be there to celebrate the golden jubilee of the university,” he said.
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