From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has bestowed an honorary Doctor of Science (DSc Honoris Causa) degree on Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in recognition of his transformative leadership, visionary public service and significant contributions to both the university and Nigeria.
The institution’s top officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, Owunari Georgewill and Pro-Chancellor, Mao Ohuabunwa, presented the letter announcing the school’s management decision during a courtesy visit to Wike at his residence in Abuja.
Georgewill highlighted the timing of the award as the launch of the university’s 50th anniversary celebrations. “Today marks the beginning of the 50th anniversary celebration of the University of Port Harcourt, and there is no better place to commence the ceremony than here with one of our most illustrious alumni. You are not only being honoured for your public service but also for the indelible footprints you have left within the university itself. We are proud of you, and UNIPORT is even prouder to claim you as its own.”
The honorary degree, approved by the university’s Senate on June 3, acknowledges Wike’s visionary leadership and outstanding contributions to governance in Rivers State and Nigeria, according to a letter from UNIPORT’s registrar, Gloria Chinda.
Ohuabunwa, in his remarks, praised Wike’s broad impact through various leadership roles. “The university is proud of the way you’ve represented us in every national assignment. As Minister of Education, you gave us the Faculty of Law; before your intervention, UNIPORT had none. But you didn’t stop there; you built it. Later, as Governor, you built what is now considered one of the finest convocation arenas in West Africa,” he remarked.
Ohuabunwa also revealed that the newly constructed Convocation Arena would be officially inaugurated on July 25 as part of the golden jubilee festivities. He acknowledged Wike’s recent donation of a state-of-the-art multimedia centre to the facility.
In his response, Wike expressed profound appreciation for the honour. “For me, this university gave me everything. I am a proud alumnus of UNIPORT, where I studied Political Science before pursuing a second degree in Law. As Minister of Education, I was shocked to find that such a prestigious institution had no Faculty of Law. I couldn’t live with that and made sure I corrected it,” he said.
He further explained his motivation for giving back, saying, “When I became Governor, I also saw the need for a befitting convocation arena. I built it because I believe UNIPORT deserves the best.”
Wike pledged ongoing support to his alma mater, stating, “If I am in a position to do more for my university, I will. I accept this honour on behalf of my family, my wife and friends. I look forward to being present for the golden jubilee celebrations.”