…commends his outstanding service and contributions to the institution
By Nkechi Eze
The Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt, led by Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, at his official residence in Life Camp, Abuja, on Monday, March 17, 2025.
Anthony Ogunleye the Director Press in a signed statement disclosed that the Pro-Chancellor noted that the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the Minister on his well-deserved appointment and commend his exceptional performance as the FCT Minister.
“We are here to express our profound admiration for your outstanding service and to celebrate your remarkable achievements,” Mao Ohuabunwa stated.
“As an alumnus of the University of Port Harcourt, you have consistently demonstrated your capacity and have represented our institution with great distinction in all your endeavors. We are immensely proud of you.”
The Chairman of Council highlighted the Minister’s significant contributions to the university, including the establishment of the Faculty of Law, the construction of the Faculty of Law building, and the building of a world-class Convocation Arena. He said these legacy projects stand as testament to the Minister’s dedication and commitment to the University of Port Harcourt.
Describing the Minister as a great alumnus of the University, Ohuabunwa said “You have consistently recognized and supported the institution that provided you with a platform for success”.
He also expressed their desire to strengthen the relationship between the University and the FCT and requested the Minister’s support in establishing a Centre of Leadership Studies in the FCT, mirroring the university’s academic pursuits. “Your political trajectory is a subject worthy of in-depth research, and we believe a Centre of Leadership Studies would be a valuable asset,” Ohuabunwa explained. The council also requested the Minister’s support in equipping the Convocation arena with multimedia facilities, as part of a 10 billion Naira endowment drive to celebrate the University’s 50th anniversary.
Furthermore, Ohuabunwa sought the Minister’s assistance in addressing infrastructural needs, specifically the refurbishment of the Convocation Arena and the construction of a Council Chamber, which the University has lacked in its 50 years of existence.
He announced that the road leading to the convocation arena has been renamed “Nyesom Wike Road” in honor of his contributions.
In response, the FCT Minister expressed his gratitude for the visit and reiterated his unwavering commitment to the University of Port Harcourt. “I am proud to be associated with this institution,” he declared. “I have always intended to support the university, and I believe it is my duty to give back to the institution that has shaped my life.”
The Minister highlighted his past contributions, including the construction of the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences buildings, the convocation arena, and his facilitation of TETFund support. He emphasized the importance of alumni contributions, stating, “The federal government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of developing our universities. Students who have been elevated by God should also contribute to society. It’s very key for us to do that.”
The Minister pledged to allocate land in the FCT for the establishment of the Centre of Leadership Studies and to provide multimedia facilities for the Convocation Arena.
He also pledged continued support for the institution, saying, “I owe a duty to support you to grow and to make the university to grow”.
Describing the higher institution as a centre of excellence, the Minister challenged the Council to rise above ethnic and primordial politics
While also, thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, the Minister noted the FCT’s upcoming 50th jubilee and drew a parallel with his tenure as Rivers State Governor, which also coincided with its 50th jubilee. He extended congratulations to the University of Port Harcourt Governing Council on their upcoming milestone.
