The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) in Rivers State has named its newly inaugurated convocation arena after the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in recognition of his contributions to the institution's development.
The arena was officially inaugurated on Saturday by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (retd) as part of activities marking the university's 35th Combined Convocation Ceremony and 50th Anniversary celebrations.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, highlighted the historical significance of the venue, noting that the university's first convocation in 1982 was held in the old arena.
"We are proud today to celebrate the 35th convocation in our 50th year of existence in this fantastic edifice, built by the Rivers Government during Wike's administration," Prof. Georgewill stated.
Vice Admiral Ibas commended Wike's vision and commitment to educational infrastructure, describing the ultra-modern convocation arena as "a testament to what is possible when vision is aligned with commitment."
"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," Ibas remarked.
During the ceremony, Wike was conferred with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Political Science (D.Sc Honoris Causa). In his acceptance speech, the FCT Minister expressed profound gratitude to the university 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," Wike said.
The minister acknowledged UNIPORT's role in his personal and professional development, stating that the institution provided him "a rich and concrete intellectual foundation" upon which his socio-economic and political career has been built.
"I was educated both in character and learning. 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 the opportunity to do so," he added.
Other distinguished recipients of honorary doctorate degrees at the ceremony included First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, and Aminu Masari, the Chairman of Board of Trustees of Tertiary Education Trust Fund.
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