Governor Of Rivers State Promises Support For UNIPORT

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has assured of the state government’s support to the University of Port Harcourt.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ajienka and other principal officers of the institution to the governor on Wednesday in Government House, Port Harcourt, and Wike expressed his administration’s readiness to support the university.

The governor told them that, “without being told, under my watch we will support University of Port Harcourt”.

Wike, who is also an alumnus of the university urged the vice chancellor to list specific areas of support, and enjoined him to ensure that the new faculty of law is given prominent attention.

The Rivers State governor also expressed the government’s willingness to host the Vice Chancellors’ meeting, assuring them of a peaceful atmosphere during their deliberations.

While acknowledging the outstanding performance of the outgoing vice chancellor, he said “You’ve done quite well. When you leave, nobody can deny you that”.

Earlier, the University of Port Harcourt vice chancellor informed the governor that the visit was to intimate him about the 30th convocation programme of the university and the investiture of the third chancellor of the university and Emir of Gwandu, Dr. Mohamed Bashir, including the conferment of honorary degrees on other prominent Nigerians billed to take place this weekend.

The vice chancellor and principal officers of the University of Port-Harcourt also congratulated Governor Nyesom Wike on his victory at the polls, and expressed hope that he will make the institution proud.

“We are here to congratulate you on your electoral victory. We are praying for you and we are confident that with your courage, you will rule the state effectively and make your alma mater proud”.

Ajienka reminded the governor that the institution has always enjoyed the support of the state government, expressing hope that the governor will continue in that spirit.

Ajienka used the occasion to invite the governor to the association’s meeting to be hosted by the state-owned University of Science and Technology.

He said many of the vice-chancellors will be looking forward to coming to Rivers State, recalling the cordial relationship and performance of Wike as Minister of State for Education.