UNIPORT names new vice-chancellor

The Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has chosen Princewill Chike as the new vice-chancellor. He will be the 10th person to hold this position.

Mr Chike, who is a professor, will officially start on 13 July. This is the same day the current vice-chancellor, Owunari Georgewill, ends his term.

Sam Kpenu, the university’s spokesperson, shared this news in a statement on Friday in Port Harcourt. He confirmed that Mr Chike’s appointment was made by the university’s 17th Governing Council after a successful selection process.

Mr Kpenu mentioned that this selection followed the rules set out in the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and the University of Port Harcourt Act. He said, “The process involved the constitution of a Search Team and a Joint Council-Senate Selection Board, which carried out the exercise in accordance with extant laws and regulations.”

He added that the committees worked according to the procedures for appointing vice-chancellors in Nigerian universities. This ensured everything was done correctly and fairly.

Mao Ohuabunwa, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, congratulated Mr Chike. He showed confidence in Mr Chike's ability to lead the university into the future. He stated, “Prof Chike possesses the capacity to advance the university’s vision and sustain its tradition of excellence.”

The News Agency of Nigeria has reported that Mr Chike was the Rivers State commissioner for health when Nyesom Wike was governor. This experience adds to his qualifications for the role.