By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The FCT Minister Barr. Nysome Wike has bagged a Doctorate Degree in Sciences ( Honoris Causa) , from the University of Port Harcourt.
The Degree was conferred on him on Wednesday in Abuja by the Governing Council of the University, led by the Pro Chancellor, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa and the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill.
While receiving the award from his alma mater, Wike said,”I’m happy, and I accept(award) on behalf of my family, my wife, and my friends, I accept this offer of Doctor of Science, Political science.”
The minister stated that he is proud to be an Alummius of, UNIPORT, a university that has made a name and history of 50 years existing.
The Pro Chancellor stated that the award is in recognition of Barr. Nyesom Wike’s decades of selfless service to education, national development, and his enduring contributions to the university community.
Sen. Ohuabunwa described Barr. Wike as a great Nigerian and alumnus of the University of Port Harcourt,
“The University is really proud of you because in every endeavor of your life, you’ve made us proud. When you were the Chairman of the Local Government and you were in charge of Obiakpor, you defended the University.”
“When you were the Honorable Minister of Education, you attracted great achievement to the university. Today, the Faculty of Law is in the University because Nyesom Wike was the Honorable Minister.”
“When you became the Governor, you also made an indelible mark. You built one of the best convocation arenas in West Africa.”
He further acknowledged the donation of a multimedia centre to the higher institution by the FCT Minister as he disclosed that the facility would be commissioned on the 25th of July as part of the programme for the university’s 50th anniversary celebration.
“I think for me, it’s a thing of honour and joy to be the Golden Pro Chancellor at this time and having this great opportunity to present this letter of award”, he said, adding, there is no better occasion to begin our anniversary celebrations than by honoring one of our most distinguished alumni.
“Your Excellency, your footprints are visible in the development of this university. We are proud to be associated with you”, he said.
Also speaking at the award presentation, the Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill, said the Act of the University of Port Harcourt empowers it to award honorary doctorate degrees to distinguished Nigerians who have contributed and are contributing immensely to the growth of the nation.
According to him, the Senate of the University, after careful deliberation, awarded the Honorary doctorate degree to Barr. Nyesom Wike in recognition of his service to the nation and the University of Port Harcourt.
He said, “Today marks the beginning of the 50th anniversary celebration of the University of Port Harcourt. There could not have been a better place to start this ceremony than where we are today.
“Minister, you are also a distinguished alumnus of that University and so the University is honouring you, not only for your national service but also your service to the University of Port Harcourt. Your footprints are just there for everybody to see at the university of Port Harcourt.”
“We are proud to be associated with you, and the University is indeed very proud that you attended that University and you have the DNA of that University in you.”
The FCT Minister recounted how his academic journey, started with a degree in the sciences, followed by a degree in Law as he attributed much of his success to the solid academic foundation laid at the University of Port Harcourt.
He said, “I didn’t realize at first that it was this University where my true journey began. After my national service, I pursued a law degree, which shaped my path as a public servant and an advocate for education. I owe a great deal to the Faculty of Social Sciences and the exceptional lecturers who molded many of us into who we are today.”
“The University gave me everything. I’ve always felt a deep sense of belonging and pride here, and I will continue to support its growth in any way I can.”
“This recognition means so much to me. I accept it with gratitude—alongside my family and loved ones. The students of this university deserve the best, and I will continue to do everything in my power to support them”, he stated
The University had recalled how, as a former student and later Minister of Education, Barr. Wike spearheaded the establishment of a Faculty of Law at the University of Port Harcourt.
He also advocated for the proper separation and expansion of Social Sciences and Humanities into distinct faculties to promote better academic administration.
The award, other certificates and insignia of honor will be presented to the Minister by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council on behalf of the University on Saturday, 26th July 2025, during the university’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.
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