The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has taken bold steps to implement the Presidential White Paper and the recent decisions of its 17th Governing Council by reconstituting the Board of Directors of Uniport Investments Limited (UIL).
The new board, inaugurated on campus on Monday 17 November by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill, is chaired by Chief Mene Kadilo Kabari, a former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area in Rivers State, respected traditional ruler, and member of the university’s Governing Council.
Other members of the reconstituted board include:
Dr. Gloria O. Chindah – Registrar
Dr. Godspower Obah – Bursar
Prof. Helen U. Emasealu – University Librarian
Prof. Glory Amadi – Council Representative
Barr. Inko Tariah – Head, Legal Unit/Company Secretary & Legal Adviser
The Managing Director of UIL, Prof. Micah Leyira, a seasoned Professor of Accounting, will be supported by representatives from the Senate and Congregation.
Speaking during the inauguration, Professor Georgewill dissolved all previously existing task forces on UIL to avoid operational overlap and conflicts.
He charged the new board to work as a team and deliver tangible results that align with the expectations of both the university management and the Governing Council.
“The Presidential White Paper clearly directed that UIL should operate with financial autonomy while the university retains strategic interest in its ownership and administration,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
He added that UIL is now expected to function as a private-sector-driven revenue generator that will oversee all commercial ventures of the institution.
The 17th Governing Council, chaired by Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, had earlier directed the university management to ensure full compliance with the White Paper and to immediately revitalise Uniport Investments Limited.
In his acceptance speech, Chief Mene Kadilo Kabari expressed profound gratitude to the Governing Council and university management for the confidence reposed in the board members.
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“We will pursue far-reaching reforms to transform the operational efficiency and revenue contribution of all university business concerns under UIL,” Kabari pledged.
He commended the calibre of board members and the Managing Director, expressing confidence that the team is ready “to hit the ground running” and deliver sustainable growth for the university.
The reconstitution of the UIL board is seen as a strategic move by UNIPORT to boost internally generated revenue, strengthen corporate governance, and reposition the institution for greater financial independence in line with federal government directives.
