The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has announced plans to confer an Honorary Doctor of Science Degree (DSc Honoris Causa) on the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, in recognition of his contributions to the institution and national development.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill, during a visit to Wike's residence in Abuja, where he formally presented the official letter of conferment.
According to Professor Georgewill, the formal presentation of the certificate and decoration ceremony will take place on July 26, 2025, as part of the university's 50th-anniversary celebrations.
Recognition of Distinguished Service
"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," said the Vice-Chancellor.
"You are also a distinguished alumnus of the university, and so the university is honouring you not only for your service but also your service to the University of Port Harcourt," he added, noting that Wike's contributions to the institution are visible for all to see.
Mrs. Gloria Chinda, the Registrar and Secretary to Council, had earlier conveyed the decision in a letter dated June 10, stating that the Senate of the university made the decision at its Extra-Ordinary meeting held on June 3, 2025.
The letter highlighted that the honorary degree was in recognition of Wike's "visionary leadership and outstanding contributions to governance in Rivers and Nigeria."
A Legacy of Contributions
Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, the university's Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, praised Wike for being a worthy ambassador of the institution.
"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."
He further highlighted Wike's contributions during his tenure as Minister of Education, noting that "Today the Faculty of Law is in the university because Nyesom Wike was the minister of education. Wike did not only bring the faculty of law to the university, but he also built it."
As Governor of Rivers State, Wike was also credited with building "one of the best Convocation Arenas in West Africa" and recently donating a multimedia centre for the arena. The new convocation arena will be inaugurated on July 25 as part of the golden jubilee celebrations.
Wike's Response
In his response, Wike expressed gratitude to the university for the honour bestowed on him.
"For me, it is the university that gave me everything. I am a proud alumnus of the university where I first studied political science before studying another degree in law," he said.
Wike explained that his concern about UNIPORT lacking a Faculty of Law despite being a conventional university motivated his actions during his term as Minister. He also noted his contributions in creating a distinct Faculty of Social Sciences and constructing the world-class convocation arena.
The FCT Minister pledged to continue supporting the university: "If I am in a position to do more for my university, I will continue to do it. I am happy and I have accepted the offer on behalf of my family, my wife and my friends and promised to be there to celebrate the golden jubilee of the university."
The 35th Convocation Ceremony of the university, where the conferment will take place, is scheduled for Saturday, July 26, 2025, coinciding with the institution's golden jubilee celebrations.
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