Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, has revealed that he personally mobilized funds from his network of friends to construct a new Senate Building for the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT). He made the announcement during the university’s 35th Convocation and 50th Anniversary celebration held in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
Wike, one of four recipients of honorary doctorate degrees, also announced the endowment of two academic chairs:
- A Chair in Family and Child’s Law in honour of his wife.
- A Chair in Leadership and Public Administration in his own honour.
He further disclosed that, at the university’s request, President Bola Tinubu had approved land in Abuja for a Centre for Leadership and Democratic Studies, with the Certificate of Occupancy ready for handover.
Reflecting on his time as an alumnus, Wike praised UNIPORT for instilling strong academic values and called on fellow alumni and Nigerians to support national education reforms, including the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.
“In no distant time, no willing child will be denied access to quality education due to economic hardship,” he said.
During the ceremony, the university officially named and inaugurated its new Convocation Arena, with retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, Sole Administrator of Rivers State, presiding.
Alongside Wike, honorary degrees were awarded to:
- Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria
- Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State
- Aminu Masari, Chairman, Board of Trustees, TETFund
