Wike to receive UNIPORT’s honorary doctorate for ‘visionary leadership’

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) is set to confer an honorary doctor of science (DSc Honoris Causa) degree on Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister.

Owunari Georgewill, the university’s vice-chancellor, presented the conferment letter to Wike at his Abuja residence on Wednesday.

Georgewill stated that the official decoration and presentation of the certificate will take place on July 26, as part of UNIPORT’s 50th-anniversary celebrations.

He explained that the university’s Act empowers it to award honorary doctorate degrees to distinguished Nigerians who have contributed significantly to national development.

He added that the university’s senate approved the conferment based on Wike’s track record in public service and his contributions to the development of both the university and Rivers State.

“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 where we are today,” Georgewill said.

“You are also a distinguished alumnus of the university, and so the university is honouring you not only for your service but also for your service to the University of Port Harcourt.

“Your footprints are just there for everybody to see at the university. We are proud to be associated with you, and the university is indeed very proud that you attended it; you have the DNA of that institution in you.”

Gloria China, the registrar and secretary to the university’s council, had earlier conveyed the decision to the minister in a letter dated June 10.

The letter stated that the conferment was in recognition of Wike’s “visionary leadership and outstanding contributions to governance in Rivers and Nigeria.”

Mao Ohuabunwa, the university’s pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing council, thanked Wike for being a good ambassador of the institution during the letter presentation.

“The university is very proud of you because in every endeavour of your life, you have made us proud,” Ohuabunwa said.

“When you were the Chairman and Security Head of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers, you defended the university. W

“When you were the minister of education, you attracted great developments to the university. Today, the faculty of law is in the university because Nyesom Wike was the minister of education.”

Ohuabunwa further highlighted that Wike not only brought the faculty of law to UNIPORT but also oversaw its construction.

He also noted that as governor of Rivers, Wike built “one of the best convocation arenas in West Africa” and recently donated a multimedia centre for the arena.

The convocation arena is scheduled to be inaugurated on July 25, as part of the university’s golden jubilee.

In his response, Wike expressed gratitude for the honour, stating, “For me, it is the university that gave me everything.”

“If I am in a position to do more for my university, I will continue to do it. I will continue to partner and support the university,” Wike affirmed.