Professor Chike Princewill-Chike has assumed duty as the 10th Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, UNIPORT, Rivers State.
Professor Princewill-Chike, who is a Professor of medicine and Former Rivers State Commissioner for Health took over the mantle of leadership of the University from the outgone Vice Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill.
During his handover speech, Professor Georgewill expressed gratitude to the Governing Council and the University Management for the support they accorded him and urged them to extend same to the new Vice Chancellor to succeed in his tenure.
The new Vice Chancellor of UNIPORT, Professor Princewill-Chike in his inaugural speech thanked God and the University Community for finding him worthy of the appointment and promised to deliver optimally for the growth and progress of the institution
“My vision is simple yet ambitious: To position the University of Port Harcourt as a globally respected institution distinguished by academic excellence, impactful research, technological innovation, responsible leadership, societal relevance, and sustainable development” he said.
The new Vice Chancellor noted that the University of Port Harcourt remains a symbol of academic excellence, resilience, and national service.
“In an era of technological disruption, global competition, and evolving societal expectations, the University of Port Harcourt will lead change to become one of Africa’s leading universities by upholding our shared vision.
“This vision shall be pursued through an eight-point strategic agenda that will guide our administration. These pillars are not isolated goals. They are interconnected pathways toward institutional transformation.
“The roadmaps are centered on Eight-Point Strategic Agenda which are Academic Excellence, Research & Innovation, Digital Transformation, Institutional Harmony, Internationalization, Financial Sustainability, Student Development and Community Engagement.
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“Together, We Shall Write a New Chapter As we embark upon this journey, let us be guided by excellence, integrity, accountability, innovation, service, and compassion. Let us honour our past while embracing the future. Let us dream boldly and work diligently. Let us build a university that future generations will celebrate with pride. Together, we shall elevate the University of Port Harcourt to greater heights. Together, we shall strengthen its reputation as a beacon of knowledge and excellence” Professor Princewill-Chike asserted.
In his opening remark, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of UNIPORT, Senator Mao Arukwe-Ohuabunwa expressed confidence in Professor Princewill-Chike in taking the University to a greater height.
“I have absolute confidence in Professor Chike. I have no doubt whatsoever that the new Vice Chancellor will take this university to even higher heights than where he is taking over from.”
“I want to warmly thank the entire university community the Faculty Heads, Deans, HODs, staff, and our students. Through your support, this institution has enjoyed absolute peace. We completely avoided any strikes from major unions like ASUU, NASU, SSANU, or NAAT.
“I urge the university community to extend this exact same level of support and cooperation to the incoming Vice Chancellor to ensure his success. My phone number and social media handles remain fully available to everyone. We will maintain our open-door policy, and I encourage a ‘see something, say something’ proactive approach to resolving campus issues” he noted.
Senator Arukwe-Ohuabunwa used the occasion to commend the outgone Vice Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill for a cordial working relationship that was built on deep mutual respect between the Governing Council and the University Management.
