Former Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Professor Princewill Chike, has been appointed as the 10th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT). His appointment follows the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent Vice Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill, who is scheduled to leave office on July 13, 2026.
Governing Council Approval
The Guardian gathered that the Governing Council of the University approved Chike’s appointment at the conclusion of a rigorous selection process. Chike is widely regarded as an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The appointment was made by the institution’s 17th Governing Council following the successful completion of the statutory selection process.
Compliance with Legal Provisions
According to the University, the exercise was conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and the University of Port Harcourt Act. The process involved the constitution of a Search Team and a Joint Council-Senate Selection Board, both of which discharged their responsibilities in line with extant laws and regulations governing the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in Nigerian universities.
Congratulatory Remarks
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, congratulated Professor Chike on his appointment and expressed confidence in his capacity to provide visionary leadership for the continued growth and development of the institution.
In a statement issued by the University’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Sam Kpenu, the Governing Council said Professor Chike would formally assume office as the 10th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt on July 13, 2026.
