UNIPORT Honours Wike, Names Convocation Arena After Him

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), on Saturday, honoured the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, by naming its newly completed convocation arena after him, in recognition of his contributions to the institution during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State.

The gesture formed part of the university’s 35th Combined Convocation Ceremony and 50th anniversary celebration, which saw the formal inauguration of the structure by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Owunari Georgewill, described the edifice as a remarkable symbol of the institution’s progress, noting that the convocation event had moved from a modest arena in 1982 to what he called a “fantastic facility” constructed under Wike’s administration.

Ibas, who led the commissioning, applauded Wike’s foresight in initiating the construction, describing the facility as a legacy project that captures the synergy between purposeful governance and long-term development. He added that the arena would serve as more than a venue for convocations, envisioning it as a space for innovation, policy dialogues, and transformational ceremonies.

“The arena is a sanctuary where academic journeys are crowned and future leaders are honoured,” he remarked, adding that the project symbolised a bridge between the past and the promise of future excellence.

Wike, who was also conferred with an honorary Doctor of Political Science degree (D.Sc. Honoris Causa) at the event, expressed deep appreciation to the university. He noted that the honour carried immense significance for him and his family, and recalled how UNIPORT played a formative role in his academic and political trajectory.

“UNIPORT provided me not only academic knowledge but shaped my character,” Wike said. “It is that foundation that inspires my continued support for this institution.”

He encouraged other alumni to give back to their alma mater as a gesture of gratitude, describing his contributions to the university over the years as both personal and deliberate.

Also honoured with honorary degrees were Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri; and former Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari, who currently chairs the Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

The convocation ceremony brought together academic, political, and traditional leaders in a celebration of scholarship and legacy at one of Nigeria’s leading institutions.