UNIPORT Names Convocation Arena After Wike, Honours Him With Doctorate Degree

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has named its newly constructed Convocation Arena after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, in recognition of his contributions to the institution’s infrastructural development.
The edifice, built in 2023 under Wike’s administration as Governor of Rivers State, was officially inaugurated on Saturday by the acting Governor of Rivers State, Ibok Ibas. The event was part of activities marking the university’s 35th Combined Convocation and 50th Anniversary celebration.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIPORT, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, noted that the first convocation of the institution in 1982 was held in an older facility.
“We are proud today to celebrate the 35th convocation in our 50th year of existence in this fantastic edifice, built two years ago by the Rivers Government under Wike’s leadership,” he said.
Acting Governor Ibas praised Wike for his visionary leadership, describing the Convocation Arena as a symbol of enduring legacy.
“The ultra-modern convocation arena, now proudly inaugurated, is a testament to what is possible when vision aligns with commitment,” Ibas said. “This arena is not only a venue for convocations; it is a sanctuary where dreams are validated, and where future leaders will be publicly honoured.”
He added that the arena would also serve as a venue for policy dialogues, innovation exhibitions, and other transformative academic events.
Responding, Wike expressed gratitude to the university for naming the arena in his honour and conferring on him an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Political Science (D.Sc. Honoris Causa).
“I must place on record that my wife and entire family hold this honour as pre-eminent and totally gratifying. Our gratitude knows no bounds,” he said.
Wike described UNIPORT as the foundation of his socio-economic and political rise, saying he was shaped both in character and learning during his time at the institution.
“This is why I have always believed that every alumnus should give back to the university as a mark of gratitude,” he said. “This explains why I freely support this institution whenever the opportunity arises.”
Other recipients of honorary doctorate degrees at the convocation were the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State; and Aminu Masari, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
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