By Usman Shuaibu
The University of Port Harcourt (UniPort), Rivers state has honoured the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike with Honourary Doctor of Science, (Political Science), Honoris caucus for his contribution to the school and the nation at large.
This was disclosed by the Governing Council of the University, led by the Pro Chancellor, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill, during the presentation of the award offer letter to the FFT minister, yesterday, in Abuja.
According to the UniPort Vice chancellor, the award conferment and presentation of other certificates and insignia of honor will be done on Saturday, 26th July 2025, during the university’s 35th convocation and 50th anniversary celebration.
Georgewill said the University senate unanimously approved the conferment of the honourary degree on the minister due to his impact, whom he described as a most outstanding public servant.
He explained that the Senate of the University, after careful deliberation, awarded the Honourary doctorate degree to the FCT Minister in recognition of his service to the nation and the University of Port Harcourt
“Today marks the beginning of the 50th anniversary celebration of the University of Port Harcourt. There could not have been a better place to start this ceremony than where we are today.
“Minister, you are also a distinguished alumnus of that University and so the University is honouring you, not only for your national service but also your service to the University of Port Harcourt.
“Your footprints are just there for everybody to see at the university of Port Harcourt.
“We are proud to be associated with you and the University is indeed very proud that you attended that University and you have the DNA of that University in you”, the VC stated.
Similarly, the Pro Chancellor, who described Wike as a great Nigerian and alumnus of the University of Port Harcourt, acknowledged the donation of a multi-media centre to the higher institution, noting that the facility would be commissioned on the 25th of July, as part of the programme for the university’s 50th anniversary celebration.
He said: “I think for me, it’s a thing of honour and joy to be the Golden Pro Chancellor at this time and having this great opportunity to present this letter of award.
“There is no better occasion to begin our anniversary celebrations than by honoring one of our most distinguished alumni. Your footprints are visible in the development of this university. We are proud to be associated with you”.
Reacting to the development, Wike said he will remain grateful to the University for being outstanding and moulding people.
According to him, “ University of Port Harcourt is where I cut my teeth in public life, it is where I have my first degree in Political science and return after my NYSC for a degree in law.
“The school is one of the institutions with best professors in political science, I am proud of the University and I can defend it anywhere.
“This recognition means so much to me. I accept it with gratitude—alongside my family and loved ones.
“The students of this university deserve the best, and I will continue to do everything in my power to support them”.
