The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has honoured the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, by naming its newly built convocation arena after him.
The ultra-modern facility was officially inaugurated on Saturday by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, as part of activities marking the university’s 35th combined convocation and 50th anniversary.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of UNIPORT, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, described the convocation arena as a monumental gift from the Rivers State government during Wike’s administration as governor.
“We are proud today to celebrate the 35th convocation in our 50th year of existence in this fantastic edifice, built by the Rivers State government during Wike’s administration,” Georgewill said.
In his remarks, Vice Admiral Ibas commended Wike for his visionary leadership and enduring contributions to educational and infrastructural development, which led to the construction of the arena.
“The ultra-modern convocation arena, now proudly inaugurated, is a testament to what is possible when vision is aligned with commitment,” he said.
“This arena, both in design and purpose, is not only a venue for convocation. It is a sanctuary where dreams are validated, academic journeys culminate in triumphs, and future leaders are publicly honoured,” Ibas added.
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He further noted that the facility will serve multiple functions, including policy dialogues, innovation exhibitions, and other transformative academic events.
In response, Wike, who was also conferred with an honorary doctorate degree in Political Science (D.Sc Honoris Causa), expressed profound gratitude to the university, describing the honour as deeply personal and fulfilling.
“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 former governor credited UNIPORT for providing the intellectual and moral foundation that has shaped his political and professional journey.
“I was educated both in character and learning. This also explains why I freely give to this institution whenever I had the opportunity to do so,” he added.
Other recipients of honorary doctorate degrees at the ceremony included Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State; and Aminu Masari, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).