The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State, has named its newly constructed convocation arena after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in recognition of his contributions to the institution’s development.

 

The state-of-the-art facility was officially inaugurated on Saturday by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd), as part of events marking the university’s 35th Combined Convocation and its 50th Anniversary celebration.

 

Speaking during the ceremony, UNIPORT Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, highlighted the transformation from the old convocation arena, where the university’s first convocation held in 1982, to the new ultra-modern structure built during Wike’s tenure as Rivers State Governor.

 

“We are proud to celebrate our 35th convocation in this magnificent arena, made possible through the commitment of the Rivers State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Nyesom Wike,” Georgewill stated.

 

Vice Admiral Ibas praised Wike’s vision and legacy, noting that the conception and completion of the arena underscore his dedication to educational and infrastructural advancement.

 

“This facility stands as a monument to what can be achieved when vision meets execution. It is not just a hall, but a symbol of academic excellence and a space where future leaders will be recognized and celebrated,” he said.

 

In response, Wike expressed deep gratitude to the university for naming the arena in his honour and for conferring on him an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Political Science (D.Sc Honoris Causa).

 

“My family and I are deeply appreciative of this recognition, which we consider a prestigious and fulfilling honour,” he said, acknowledging the foundational role the university played in his intellectual and political journey.

 

Wike emphasized the importance of alumni giving back, noting that his consistent support for UNIPORT stems from a sense of gratitude and responsibility.

 

Also conferred with honorary doctorate degrees were Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State; and Aminu Masari, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).