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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Health & Science

UNIPORT names ex-Rivers health commissioner new vice-chancellor

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Professor Princewill Chike, formerly the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, has been appointed the 10th Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt.
  • Chike will succeed Professor Owunari Georgewill, whose tenure concludes on July 13.
  • The appointment was confirmed by the university's governing council following a selection process that adhered to Nigerian university regulations.

The University of Port Harcourt has appointed Professor Princewill Chike as its 10th Vice Chancellor, marking a significant transition in the institution's leadership. Professor Chike, who previously served as the Commissioner for Health in Rivers State under Governor Nyesom Wike's administration, is set to assume office on July 13.

The Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt has approved the appointment of Professor Princewill R. Chike as the 10th Vice-Chancellor of the University.

— Dr Sam KpenuPublic Relations Officer of UNIPORT, announcing the appointment.

He will succeed the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill, who is completing his term as the ninth VC. Professor Georgewill is scheduled to preside over his final convocation ceremony on June 5 and 6, 2026, before his tenure officially ends.

The appointment of Professor Chike was formally approved by the university's governing council after a rigorous selection process. A statement from the university, titled 'University of Port Harcourt Appoints Professor Princewill R. Chike as 10th Vice-Chancellor,' detailed that the decision was made by the 17th Governing Council upon the successful conclusion of the selection procedures.

The appointment was made by the 17th Governing Council following the successful conclusion of the selection process.

— Dr Sam KpenuPublic Relations Officer of UNIPORT, detailing the appointment process.

According to the university's Public Relations Officer, Dr. Sam Kpenu, the selection process strictly followed the provisions outlined in the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and the University of Port Harcourt Act. This involved the formation of a Search Team and a Joint Council-Senate Selection Board, which executed their duties in compliance with existing laws and regulations for appointing Vice-Chancellors in Nigerian universities.

The process was conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and the University of Port Harcourt Act.

— Dr Sam KpenuPublic Relations Officer of UNIPORT, emphasizing adherence to regulations.

Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, extended congratulations to Professor Chike. He expressed strong confidence in Chike's capacity to provide effective, visionary leadership, anticipating that it will foster the continued growth and development of the University of Port Harcourt.

Professor Princewill R. Chike is expected to formally assume office as the 10th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt on 13 July 2026.

— Dr Sam KpenuPublic Relations Officer of UNIPORT, stating the assumption of office date.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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