UNIPORT names convocation arena after Wike, honours him with doctorate degree
The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State, has named its newly constructed convocation arena after Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) and former governor of the state.
The ultra-modern arena, built under Wike’s administration as governor, was officially inaugurated on Saturday by Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, retired vice admiral and sole administrator of Rivers State. The event was part of the institution’s 35th combined convocation ceremony and 50th anniversary celebration.
Owunari Georgewill, vice-chancellor of UNIPORT, said the institution’s journey from its first convocation in 1982 to the present moment reflected remarkable progress, crediting the Rivers government under Wike for the new facility.
“We are proud today to celebrate the 35th convocation in our 50th year of existence in this fantastic edifice, built by the Rivers Government during Wike’s administration,” he said.
In his remarks, Ibas described the arena as a symbol of Wike’s lasting legacy in education and infrastructure.
“The ultra-modern convocation arena, now proudly inaugurated, is a testament to what is possible when vision is aligned with commitment. Your Excellency, we honour your foresight,” he said.
“This arena is not only a venue for convocation. It is also a sanctuary where dreams are validated, where academic journeys culminate in triumphs, and where future leaders will be publicly honoured.”
He added that the arena will also host innovation exhibitions, policy dialogues, and symbolic ceremonies that shape future generations.
Responding, Wike expressed gratitude to the university for finding him worthy of the recognition, noting that his family deeply cherishes the honour.
“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,” he said.
Wike, who was also conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Political Science (D.Sc Honoris Causa), reflected on his time as a student of the institution.
“UNIPORT availed me the rich and concrete intellectual foundation upon which my socio-economic and political ascendancy have been fittingly predicated,” he said.
“I was educated both in character and learning. It is in the light of the foregoing that I have always strongly believed that every alumnus should give back to the university as a mark of pure gratitude. This also explains why I freely give to this institution whenever I had the opportunity to do so.”
Other recipients of honorary degrees included Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of Nigeria; Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa State; and Aminu Masari, chairman, board of trustees, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
