Port Harcourt – The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) says it will graduate 8,156 students during its 36th combined convocation ceremony.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill made the disclosure on Monday in Port Harcourt while briefing newsmen on activities lined up for convocation.
Georgewill said that 120 of the graduands would bag first class degrees.
He said that the award of first degrees, diplomas, higher degrees and prizes would take place on Friday.
The vice chancellor said that of the 8,156 graduands, 5,822 were first degree recipients, while 510 would be awarded postgraduate diplomas.
Georgewill stated that 1,386 persons would receive masters degrees while 438 would be awarded doctoral degrees.
He reiterated the university’s commitment to academic excellence, character development and service to humanity.
The vice chancellor said that UNIPORT remained focused on advancing knowledge, promoting innovation and serving as a catalyst for positive transformation in society.
He stated that the institution recorded significant achievements in infrastructure, academic expansion, research and student support in the past five years
According to him, infrastructure development in the university received a major boost through interventions from the Federal Government, Tertiary Education Trust Fund and other support programmes.
Georgewill also said that the university completed projects such as the innovation hub, lecture theatres and the ongoing South-South Zonal Multipurpose Laboratory.
“The university recently received electric tricycles to promote clean energy and environmentally friendly transportation on campus.
“We now have modern library, advanced laboratories, sports facilities, health centres, counselling units and an entrepreneurship centre,” he said.
He said that in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency, the university was implementing a 10.7-megawatt solar hybrid power project.
“The project will provide stable electricity to the university, the teaching hospital and surrounding communities,” he said.
The vice chancellor stated that several academic programmes had secured accreditation, resulting in increased admission quotas across faculties.
He stated that the university established three new faculties such as the Faculty of Computing, Allied Health Sciences, and Media and Communication.
“These faculties align with emerging global trends and local development needs while expanding opportunities for interdisciplinary learning,” he said
Georgewill said that no fewer than 1,000 students were currently benefiting from scholarship schemes supported by 13 benefactors.
“The initiative reflects UNIPORT’s commitment to inclusiveness and access to quality education,” he said. (NAN)
