The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has bestowed an honorary Doctor of Science on the wife of President Bola Tinubu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and others.
Wike and Mrs Tinubu received the award yesterday during the university’s 50th Anniversary and 35th Convocation.
Speaking at the occasion, Wike explained why he lent his support to the University of Port Harcourt when he served as the governor of Rivers State and later as a minister, noting that the federal institution influenced him positively as an alumnus.
“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 so do,” he said.
In his speech, the sole administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd), reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality education at all levels, emphasising that no child would be left behind or denied the opportunity for academic advancement.
Ibas outlined the state government’s broader education strategy, including sustained infrastructural investment and increased funding for state-owned universities and sister institutions, which he said were aimed at strengthening the institutions’ capacity to serve as centres of academic excellence and engines of hope.
“On behalf of the government and people of Rivers State, I extend heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, for his visionary leadership, commitment to national rebirth and far-reaching developmental strides that continue to inspire confidence across the country.
“His unwavering support for the education sector, and for efforts in Rivers State under the current emergency administration, has created an enabling environment for projects such as this to flourish,” he said.
The vice chancellor of the university, Prof Owunari Georgewill, expressed pride in the institution’s 50-year journey of academic excellence and service to the nation since its establishment in 1975.
He announced that, as part of the anniversary celebration, the university is conducting its 35th Combined Convocation Ceremony, conferring a total of 13,861 degrees. This includes 9,788 Bachelor’s degrees, 2,131 Master’s degrees, 208 Postgraduate Diplomas, and 934 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
Other recipients of the honorary degree include the chairman of TETFund, Aminu Masari and Adamawa State governor, Umaru Fintiri.
The varsity said, the award to Governor Fintiri was in recognition of his outstanding contributions to governance, public service and national development.
Governor Fintiri, widely acclaimed for his strides in education, infrastructure and youth empowerment in Adamawa State, expressed gratitude to the university for the honour, stating that it reinforces his commitment to service and excellence.
“This recognition is not just for me but for the people of Adamawa State. It is a testament to what purposeful leadership can achieve,” he said.
