Port Harcourt – The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has commenced a review of its academic programmes to align them with global standards and emerging realities.
UNIPORT’s Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof. Princewill Chike, made the disclosure on Monday in Port Harcourt during his inaugural address after formally assuming office as the university’s 10th VC.
Chike said the academic overhaul formed part of a broader agenda aimed at positioning UNIPORT among global leading universities.
According to him, the university will pursue academic excellence, impactful research, technological innovation, responsible leadership and sustainable development.
“Academic programmes will undergo continuous review to align with global standards and emerging realities.
“Quality assurance mechanisms shall be strengthened, while outcome-based education and competency-driven learning will receive greater attention,” he said.
The vice-chancellor stated that his administration would expand postgraduate education, strengthen doctoral training and promote academic integrity across faculties and departments.
Chike also unveiled plans to boost research productivity through increased grant acquisition, industry collaboration and the commercialisation of innovations.
He said the university would establish research clusters in health, energy, climate change, artificial intelligence, agriculture and education.
“Knowledge must solve problems, improve lives, shape public policy and contribute to national prosperity,” he stated.
Chike further announced plans to strengthen internationalisation through academic exchange programmes, joint research projects and collaborative degree programmes.
He said that UNIPORT would actively engage global knowledge networks to enhance teaching, research and innovation.
On digital transformation, Chike said the university would embark on a comprehensive ICT-driven governance programme.
He listed smart campus initiatives, electronic document management, digital archives, improved internet connectivity and enhanced online learning platforms among the key priorities.
“We shall leverage technology to improve transparency, efficiency, accountability and service delivery.
“Our goal is to create a university where processes are faster, information is more accessible and decision-making is evidence-based,” he said.
The vice chancellor also pledged to promote institutional harmony through dialogue with staff unions, participatory governance and staff welfare.
On financial sustainability, Chike said government funding alone could no longer meet growing demands of higher education.
He said the administration would focus on fundraising, alumni engagement, endowment development, consultancy services and public-private partnerships.
“Every naira entrusted to this institution must be utilised responsibly. Transparency and accountability shall remain central to financial governance,” he added.
Chike appreciated President Bola Tinubu for supporting higher education development and UNIPORT’s Governing Council for the confidence reposed in him.
He urged the support of the university’s Senate, staff, alumni and students to enable UNIPORT to compete favourably with leading universities worldwide.
In his remark, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of UNIPORT’s Governing Council, said the selection process that produced Chike as vice-chacellor was transparent.
According to him, since the establishment of UNIPORT 50 years ago, this is the first time the university has witnessed a seamless transition.
“There was no rancour, violence, security threat or controversy. We followed all due processes, and the outcome aligned with God’s plan,” he said.
Ohuabunwa said the new vice-chancellor was trained and nurtured within the UNIPORT system, having served as both student and a lecturer.
He stated that Chike understood the university inside out and already knew the challenges and opportunities before him.
“I have no doubt that he will hit the ground running, take the university to greater heights and raise the standards beyond where he met them,” he added. (NAN)
