The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State, has named its newly constructed Convocation Arena in honour of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike.
Built in 2023 during Wike’s tenure as Governor of Rivers State, the arena was officially commissioned on Saturday by the state’s acting Governor, Ibok Ibas.
The event formed part of the university’s 35th Combined Convocation ceremony and its golden jubilee celebration.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIPORT, Professor Owunari Georgewill, traced the university’s convocation history back to its first in 1982.
“We are proud today, to celebrate the 35th convocation in our 50th year of existence in this fantastic edifice, built two years ago by Rivers Government during Wike’s administration,” he said.
Acting Governor Ibas praised Wike’s significant role in advancing the university’s infrastructure, calling the convocation arena a symbol of vision and dedication.
“The ultra-modern convocation arena, now proudly inaugurated, is a testament to what is possible when vision is aligned with commitment. Your Excellency, we honour your foresight,” he stated.
“This arena, both in design and purpose, is not only a venue for convocation, it is also a sanctuary where dreams are validated; where academic journeys culminate in triumphs; and where future leaders will be publicly honoured.”
He added that the facility is expected to host policy dialogues, innovation showcases, and ceremonial events that will shape generations of students.
“It will involve policy dialogues, innovation exhibitions and ceremonies that shaped the character and capacities of generations to come.”
Highlighting the symbolic nature of the structure, Ibas noted: “The infatuation of the edifice was symbolic, stressing that it represents continuity and a bridge between legacy of excellence and the promise of tomorrow.”
In his remarks, Wike who also received an Honorary Doctor of Political Science (D.Sc Honoris Causa) from the university expressed deep appreciation for the recognition.
“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.
The minister credited the university for shaping the foundation of his personal and professional growth.
“UNIPORT availed me the rich and concrete intellectual foundation upon which my socio-economic and political ascendancy have been fittingly predicated. I was educated both in character and learning.”
He added that his enduring support for the university stems from a sense of gratitude:
“It is in the light of the foregoing that I have always strongly believed that every alumnus should give back to the university as a mark of pure gratitude. This also explains why I freely give to this institution whenever I have had the opportunity to do so.”
Other dignitaries honoured with doctorate degrees included Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State; and Aminu Masari, Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees.
