The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has announced that 120 graduating students will receive First Class degrees during its 36th Combined Convocation Ceremony, scheduled to hold on Friday.
Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill, disclosed that a total of 8,156 students have been certified for graduation across various academic programmes.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the graduating class comprises 510 Postgraduate Diploma recipients, 1,386 Master’s degree holders, and 438 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates. He noted that the convocation ceremony would feature the conferment of first degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and special prizes.
Professor Georgewill described the convocation as one of the university’s most significant academic traditions, providing an opportunity to celebrate academic excellence, honour deserving graduates, and showcase the institution’s achievements.
“We are delighted to announce that we are set to graduate a total of 8,156 students. Among them are 120 First Class degree recipients, a reflection of the university’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor further revealed that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, will deliver the convocation lecture.
Activities marking the convocation began on May 29 with a Jumat prayer and continued with a thanksgiving service on May 31. Other events include a tree-planting ceremony by the overall best graduating student, a red-carpet reception and command performance, faculty class-day activities, a special dinner for First Class and distinction graduates, and an alumni research fair and exhibition.
A fireside chat featuring Mr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Founding Partner of Future Africa, is also scheduled as part of the week-long activities.
Professor Georgewill reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence, character development, innovation, and service to humanity. He stated that UNIPORT remains dedicated to advancing knowledge and contributing meaningfully to national development.
As his tenure as the institution’s ninth Vice-Chancellor draws to a close next month, he expressed gratitude to the Federal and State Governments, alumni, partners, benefactors, and other stakeholders for their contributions to the university’s growth over the past 51 years.
He urged members of the university community to continue working together to strengthen the institution’s legacy and drive its future progress through vision, innovation, and unity of purpose.
