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Tag: UNIPORT

  • Wike hails Tinubu’s appointment of Prof Orluwene as UNIPORT teaching hospital CMD

    Wike hails Tinubu’s appointment of Prof Orluwene as UNIPORT teaching hospital CMD

    The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday hailed the appointment of Professor Chituru Godwill Orluwene as the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Port-Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

    The minister, who also thanked President Bola Tinubu, for finding yet another Rivers State indigene worthy of a federal appointment, said, “The President has consistently demonstrated his love for Rivers State and its people, and we will keep supporting him to continue with his good governance.”

    In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister described Prof Orluwene’s appointment as “President Tinubu putting another round peg in a round hole,” urging him to use his wealth of experience to improve on the state of the Teaching Hospital, in line with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He also thanked the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, for recommending the appointment of Prof Orluwene.

    “I congratulate Prof Orluwene on this appointment and urge him to work collaboratively with all stakeholders in UPTH to ensure the continued delivery of quality healthcare services to Nigerians,” he said.

  • UNIPORT names convocation arena after Wike 

    UNIPORT names convocation arena after Wike 

    The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) in Rivers has named its Convocation Arena after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike.

    The arena, built by Wike in 2023 by Wike, was officially inaugurated on Saturday by the acting Governor of Rivers, Ibok Ibas.

    The inauguration was part of activities of the university’s 35 Combined Convocation and 50th Anniversary.

    The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, said that the first convocation of the university in 1982, was held in the old arena.

    “We are proud today, to celebrate the 35th convocation in our 50th year of existence in this fantastic edifice, built two years ago by Rivers Government during Wike’s administration,” he said.

    Also, Ibas commended the contribution of Wike to the development of the institution.

    According to him, the conception and construction of the arena under Wike’s stewardship, reflects his enduring legacy in infrastructural and educational development.

    “The ultra-modern convocation arena, now proudly inaugurated, is a testament to what is possible when vision is aligned with commitment. Your Excellency, we honour your foresight.

    “This arena, both in design and purpose, is not only a venue for convocation, it is also a sanctuary where dreams are validated; where academic journeys culminate in triumphs; and where future leaders will be publicly honoured.

    “It will involve policy dialogues, innovation exhibitions and ceremonies that shaped the character and capacities of generations to come,” he said.

    He said that the infatuation of the edifice was symbolic, stressing that it represents continuity and a bridge between legacy of excellence and the promise of tomorrow.

    Responding, Wike, who was equally conferred with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Political Science (D.Sc Honoris Causa), thanked the university for finding him Worthy of such exalted honour.

    “I must place on record that my wife and entire family hold this honour as pre-eminent and totally gratifying.

    Read Also: Fubara extols Wike on UNIPORT’s doctoral degree award

    “Our gratitude knows no bounds,” he said.

    The minister said that UNIPORT availed him the rich and concrete intellectual foundation upon which his socio-economic and political ascendancy have been fittingly predicated.

    “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.

    “This also explains why I freely give to this institution whenever I have had the opportunity to do so,” he said.

    Other recipients of the honorary doctorate degrees are First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and Aminu Masari, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

    (NAN)

  • Fubara extols Wike on UNIPORT’s doctoral degree award

    Fubara extols Wike on UNIPORT’s doctoral degree award

    In his first congratulatory message after their reconciliation, suspended Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, extolled the leadership qualities of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Chief Nyesom Wike.

    Fubara in a message he personally signed congratulated Wike on the conferment of the prestigious Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) Honoris Causa by the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).

    Fubara hailed Wike on behalf of his family and the good people of Rivers; and indication that the reconciliation had ushered permanent peace between him.and his benefactor.

    He said: “This distinguished recognition is not only a celebration of your illustrious accomplishments but a testament to your enduring impact, as a transformational leader, visionary statesman, and proud alumnus whose contributions have significantly advanced the cause of education and national development.

    Read Also: He was a man of principles, says Fubara

    ‘Your unwavering commitment to infrastructural development, both in Rivers State and now in the FCT, along with your legacy of service, has inspired renewed hope in governance and uplifted countless lives across the country. 

    “It is only fitting that your alma mater honours you for your outstanding dedication and the strategic role you continue to play in shaping Nigeria’s future.

    “We take immense pride in this remarkable milestone and join you in celebrating yet another feather to your cap. May this recognition fuel even greater accomplishments in your continued service to our nation”.

  • UniPort alumni unveils projects, inaugurates Princewill led BOT

    UniPort alumni unveils projects, inaugurates Princewill led BOT

    The Alumni Association of the University of Port Harcourt has pledged to undertake series of developmental projects that that change the learning environment of the institution in the next four years.

    President of the Association, Senator Senator Darlington Nwokocha unveiled four of the projects while inaugurating the new Board of Trustees of the Alumni body headed by a former governorship aspirant of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria in Rivers State, Prince Tonye Princewill in Abuja.

    He listed the project to include High Flyer Scheme and Premium Hostel to promote academic excellence; the establishment of a Library, Museum, and Alumni Hall of Fame; a functional Agric Hub for food production and entrepreneurship and an Alumni Bakery and Bottled Water Plant to promote social enterprise and sustainability.

    The event, attended by members of the National Executive Council, Chapter Presidents, and distinguished alumni from across the globe, was described as historic by stakeholders, as the Association continues its drive to reposition itself as a force for societal impact and institutional advancement.

    Nwokocha who is a former minority whip in the Nigerian Senate, described the inauguration as a defining moment in the association’s evolution, saying “today, we constitute a Board that will serve as the moral compass, legal backbone, and strategic guardian of our Association’s long-term vision”

    “We will look to you for wise counsel, critical review, and strategic alignment as we embark on our vision to Reconnect, Reinvest, and Reposition the Uniport Alumni Association,” he added.

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    Responding on behalf of the other members of the Board, the Chairman, Prince Tonye Princewill, expressed deep humility and a strong sense of responsibility in accepting the appointment.

    “We are here not to preside, but to serve; to serve as stewards of integrity, guardians of trust, and partners in the progressive transformation of this association,” Princewill said in his acceptance speech.

    “Beyond the letters of the constitution lies a deeper obligation: to lead with compassion, to act with integrity, and to ensure that every decision we take strengthens the foundation of this association for future generations,” he added.

    The newly inaugurated Board of Trustees is chaired by Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill, a prominent politician, business leader, and longtime supporter of the UNIPORT Alumni Association. Other members of the Board include Dr. Patterson Ogon, Hon. Anayo E. Nwonu, Mr. Samson Akpibere, Mr. Austin Okeze, and Ms. Chiadikobi Emmanuella-King.

    He listed the project to include High Flyer Scheme and Premium Hostel to promote academic excellence; the establishment of a Library, Museum, and Alumni Hall of Fame; a functional Agric Hub for food production and entrepreneurship and an Alumni Bakery and Bottled Water Plant to promote social enterprise and sustainability.

    Responding on behalf of the other members of the Board, the Chairman, Prince Tonye Princewill, expressed deep humility and a strong sense of responsibility in accepting the appointment.

    “We are here not to preside, but to serve; to serve as stewards of integrity, guardians of trust, and partners in the progressive transformation of this association,” Princewill said in his acceptance speech.

    “Beyond the letters of the constitution lies a deeper obligation: to lead with compassion, to act with integrity, and to ensure that every decision we take strengthens the foundation of this association for future generations,” he added.

  • Amadi Harry inspires fresh students at UniPort orientation, awards scholarships  

    Amadi Harry inspires fresh students at UniPort orientation, awards scholarships  

    The University of Port Harcourt (UniPort) was abuzz with excitement as Amadi Harry Excellent, the visionary MD/CEO of Hamrex Group, delivered an inspiring keynote address at the Year One Orientation program.

    As a seasoned entrepreneur, real estate mogul, and business mentor, his speech left an indelible mark on the young minds eager to embark on their academic journey.

    Speaking passionately about growth, excellence, and resilience, Amadi Harry Excellent urged the freshers to maximize their time at the university, emphasizing the power of vision, strategic networking, and relentless pursuit of success. 

    He encouraged them to strive for excellence in academics and personal development, reminding them that the choices they make today will shape their future.

    In his powerful address, he warned against cultism, fraud, and drug abuse, highlighting the dangers these vices pose to students’ lives and careers. 

    He urged the freshers to stay focused, associate with the right people, and uphold values of integrity and hard work.

    “Your time in the university is a stepping stone to greatness. Stay focused, build meaningful relationships, and avoid distractions that can derail your future. Cultism, fraud, and drug abuse are paths that lead to destruction. Choose the path of excellence instead,” he advised.

    In a heartwarming gesture, Amadi Harry Excellent awarded scholarships to select students, reaffirming his commitment to youth empowerment and educational support. 

    His generosity was met with cheers and gratitude from students and faculty members alike, who applauded his dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders.

    “Education is the foundation of any great society. Investing in young minds today guarantees a brighter tomorrow. I believe in giving back and helping students who have the drive but lack the means,” he remarked.

    The event, attended by university officials, lecturers, and students, further solidified Amadi Harry Excellent’s reputation as a transformational leader and role model for young people across Nigeria.

    As he continues his mission to inspire and empower, his presence at the UniPort orientation will be remembered as a defining moment for many first-year students who now feel more equipped and motivated to pursue their dreams.

  • UNIPORT’s don to address summit on climate change

    UNIPORT’s don to address summit on climate change

    A renowned professor of Pharmacy at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) in Rivers State, Vincent Idemyor, will address climate change impact on healthcare at a summit in the United States of America.

    The don is speaking during a clinical session at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists’ (ASHP’s) meeting at New Orleans, Louisiana in USA on December 10 this year.

    It was learnt yesterday that the USA’s event would attract over 20,000 pharmacy professionals from across the globe, making it one of the largest gatherings of healthcare providers, focusing on advancing pharmacy practice.

    Idemyor’s presentation: “Preparing Healthcare Service Delivery for Climate Change Impacts,” would focus on the growing intersection between climate change and healthcare.

    Read Also: UNIPORT ready to graduate 13,816 students

    The distinguished scholar, who has made significant contributions in his field, particularly HIV/AIDS research and pharmacy practice, revealed that his presentation would explore disease states exacerbated by climate change, both in the short and long terms.

    Idemyor will also discuss the effects of climate change on mental health, including stress, depression, anxiety, grief, substance use, and personality disorders, as well as highlighting the critical need for healthcare providers and patients to understand how certain medications may respond differently under extreme heat conditions, which may lead to adverse health outcomes.

  • UNIPORT gets World Bank-funded medical simulation laboratory

    UNIPORT gets World Bank-funded medical simulation laboratory

    The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has acquired a Medical Simulation Laboratory to enhance healthcare delivery and training in Nigeria.

    UNIPORT’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, announced the development in a statement issued by the institution’s spokesman, Dr Sam Kpenu, in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

    He said the World Bank Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR) in UNIPORT donated the equipment to the institution.

    “The sophisticated medical equipment for training of medical and health workers will be used to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

    “The project, funded by the World Bank, will also be used to enhance education of medical students by providing a link between classroom learning and real-life clinical situations.

    “The procurement demonstrates UNIPORT’s commitment to the development of education in Nigeria, particularly, and in Sub-Sahara Africa in general,” he said.

    Georgewill expressed confidence that the facility would be effectively utilised to produce more excellent graduates who can compete favourably with their counterpart in the country and globally.

    Read Also: Military capable of tackling security challenges, Tinubu assures

    “The use of simulation has become increasingly relevant in the changing trends of training medical and health workers to acquire the right knowledge and skills in the evolving landscape.

    The vice-chancellor commended the World Bank for its contributions to the university’s educational development.

    The leader of the centre, Prof. Daprim Ogaji, revealed that the centre was operated by a multidisciplinary team with a vision to provide leadership and communicate best practices in research, training, and innovation.

    “The simulator is a world class, high-fidelity equipment that simulates across various specialty training in medicine.

    “The equipment will provide learners with real-world opportunities to develop and practise their knowledge and skills in a simulated environment,” he stated.

  • UNIPORT prof bags US award in Advanced Pharmacy

    UNIPORT prof bags US award in Advanced Pharmacy

    Professor Vincent Idemyor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has been awarded the Donald E. Francke Medal by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP).

    The prestigious award was presented to Prof. Idemyor at the ASHP meeting, which was held in Anaheim, California.

    It was gathered that the professor’s contributions to advanced pharmacy practice earned him the coveted medal.

    Idemyor’s dedication led to an appointment as a John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Visiting Senior Fellow at the University of Port Harcourt in 2009 and was made possible through one of the grants from MacArthur Foundation to the University of Port Harcourt.

    The Francke Medal is always issued to individuals for their significant international contributions that the nominees made to advance pharmacy practice.

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    Idemyor was adjudged to have done extensive work for the last 15 years in Nigeria having worked for 20 years at major hospitals/academic institutions in Chicago, Illinois.

    He is said to be an authority on HIV/AIDS and on the role science plays in the advancement of medical treatment.

    Announcing the award, the ASHP said: “Dr. Idemyor has made sustained contributions to international pharmacy practice, particularly in improving outcomes for patients with HIV/AIDS.

    “Throughout the course of his career, he has led and collaborated on numerous projects that significantly improved healthcare access and outcomes for medically underserved populations in the United States, Nigeria, and other African countries.”

    Some of Idemyor’s work was said to be instrumental  in starting a faculty of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Port Harcourt.

    In 2006, the professor was engaged by the United Nations Development Programme to evaluate providers of a nationwide program in Nigeria that delivered services related to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

    Idemyor had been extensively published in peer-reviewed journals and was co-editor of the 3rd edition of Drug Discovery and Development.

    While delivering a paper at the Francke Medal Lecture, titled, “Translational Research and Implementation Science: Accelerating the Imperative”, the professor took an  intensive and scholarly look at the importance of the timely translation of what scientists observe in their research, into practical gains for humanity.

    For example, he said: “if we strongly suspect there will be widespread

    starvation from climate change, how do we most efficiently and effectively translate what we already know to design a plan to address famine?

    In addition, the climate effect may lead to increased prevalence of water-borne illnesses, and other infectious diseases”.

    Idemyor discussed the efforts to rapidly develop and deploy the vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infections, as an example of the success of accelerated translation and implementation of scientific gains.

    He contrasted timely implementation with enforcement that would sometimes take centuries noting the important role played by the concept of the Triple Helix Concept and commented on the role played by practitioners and scientists in confronting the health and wellbeing challenges.

    He said: “In a sense, the pressure is on us as practitioners and researchers, whose fields are grounded in science-based conclusions. We are the ones that ultimately the policymakers will listen to, as governmental budgets are made. Science will win because science is grounded in incontrovertible realities.”

    The Professor recently participated in a panel discussion of the Nigeria Higher Education Foundation at the Harvard Club in New York.

    Dr. Francke was renowned for his creation and implementation of ideas and upon his passing, the journal he had founded, Drug Intelligence and Clinical Pharmacy, published a series of remembrances.

  • UNIPORT Class of 86 donates 10KVA solar panel to alma mater

    UNIPORT Class of 86 donates 10KVA solar panel to alma mater

    • Varsities urged on maintenance culture

    Vice-President, Class of U86, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT),  Dr. Patterson Ogon, has urged managers of universities to pay attention to the need to protect and maintain facilities on the campuses, to make them sustainable and conducive for learning.

    He spoke when the Alumni Association during its inaugural reunion, inaugurated 10KVA 48 Volt Solar Panel system for the university library.

    Speaking with reporters after the event, Ogon decried infrastructural rot in the universities due to lack of proper maintenance culture, and called for deliberate and realistic policies by the universities to ensure prompt maintenance, to guarantee longevity and derivation of their full benefits .

    He said: “The Nigerian university environment is in a sorry state. There is need for provision and maintenance. It makes no economic sense to provide and not maintain.”

    Read Also: No noise, please

    He noted that maintenance of facilities provided was crucial for sustainability and value addition.

    Ogon called for the intervention of other alumni associations of universities, including those of UNIPORT, in addressing some of the critical needs in the schools, saying institutions and governments alone could not completely take care of the challenges, to ensure enhanced quality learning and research work.

    The UNIPORT workers had explained the group’s decision to remodel the school library power supply system after 33 years of graduating from the school.

     “We came here as part of our 33 years after exiting the university. We felt it is important after graduating from this university to once again reconnect with ourselves. Some of us have not seen ourselves for decades after we left here.”

    The association later held a symposium for the students on life after school, educating them on how to prepare themselves ahead by building their capacity while yet in school.

    The Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof Owunari Georgewill, reiterated the call by Ogon on the need for alumni associations to join hands in building the institutions that trained them by giving back to the schools.

    He hailed the Class of U86 for the donation to the institution.

    Delivering lecture, one of the resource persons, a former bank manager, Francis Ekonye, said for students to succeed on graduation, they should embrace only the things that could influence positive development in their lives and society.

  • UNIPORT gets 65 new professors

    UNIPORT gets 65 new professors

    The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has promoted 42 senior academics to the rank of professors and 23 others to associate professors.

    Spokesman Dr. Sam Kpenu said in a statement in Port Harcourt yesterday that the new professors passed through stringent selection criteria set up by the university.

    “The promotions followed approval by the Minister of Education on December 8.

    “The academics were promoted following the recommendations of the Central A & PC Academic meeting of UNIPORT held on November 23.

    “The university hereby announces the promotion of 42 officials nominated as professors of their disciplines and 23 others as associate professors (readers),” he said.

    Read Also: UHC Day: Tinubu unveils plan for massive investments in health sector

    A breakdown of the promotion showed the professors’ category has 10 new professors from the Faculty of Education; Faculty of Science got 10, Faculty of Humanities, eight, College of Health Sciences, eight; Faculty of Agriculture, three; Faculty of Engineering, one; Faculty of Social Science, one, and Faculty of Management Sciences,  one.

    In the Associate Professor (Readers’) category, Faculty of Education produced seven new readers; Faculty of Humanities, five, and Faculty of Science, three.

    Others are Faculty of Engineering, two; Faculty of Science, two; College of Health Sciences, two; Faculty of Agriculture, one and Faculty of Computing, one.