The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Alumni Association has launched a strategic repositioning effort to advance the institution, marked by the inauguration of a new Board of Trustees and the unveiling of four flagship projects, the association announced at a recent event.
The new board, set to serve a single four-year term from 2025 to 2029, is chaired by Tonye Princewill, a former Labour Party candidate for Rivers State governorship. The board includes Dr. Patterson Ogon, Hon. Anayo Nwonu, Mr Samson Akpibere, Mr. Austin Okeze, and Ms. Chiadikobi Emmanuella-King. Their leadership aims to drive the association’s agenda to enhance UNIPORT’s academic and infrastructural development.
“We are committed to elevating the university’s global standing through strategic initiatives and alumni engagement,” Princewill said at the inauguration, which drew the National Executive Council, Chapter Presidents, and distinguished alumni from across the globe.
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The association highlighted four flagship projects as central to its developmental goals, though specific details remain undisclosed. Sources familiar with the initiative suggest these projects may focus on alumni networking, fundraising for scholarships, infrastructure upgrades, or academic support programs. The lack of public details indicates the projects may still be in planning or intended for later announcement.
The event underscored the association’s global reach, with attendees representing UNIPORT’s extensive alumni network. The strong turnout reflects robust support for the association’s vision to bolster the university’s growth, a key institution in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
In a related development, Darlington Nwokocha was elected Global President of the association during the National Triennial Delegates Elective Convention in June, further signalling a renewed focus on leadership and institutional advancement.
The UNIPORT Alumni Association’s efforts align with broader trends among Nigerian universities, where alumni groups increasingly play a pivotal role in supporting academic excellence and infrastructure development. As the board begins its term, stakeholders await further details on the flagship projects that will shape UNIPORT’s future.