No fewer than 120 students of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) will graduate with First Class honours as the institution awards degrees and certificates to a total of 8,156 graduates at its 36th Convocation Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, disclosed this during a pre convocation press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday.

According to him, of the 8,156 graduands, 5,822 will receive first-degree certificates, 510 postgraduate diplomas, 1,386 Master’s degrees, and 438 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.

Georgewill said the achievements reflected the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, character development and service to humanity.

“The success of UNIPORT is a collective achievement. Together, let us continue to chart a progressive course for the future with vision, innovation and unity of purpose. As we look ahead, we do so with renewed determination for deeper engagement, greater relevance and broader impact,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor announced that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, will deliver the convocation lecture.

He commended the Federal and Rivers State governments for their support over the institution’s 51 years of existence, noting that such interventions had strengthened infrastructure, expanded academic facilities and improved the learning environment.

Georgewill, whose tenure as Vice-Chancellor ends on July 13, expressed appreciation to staff and students for their support and collaboration, which he said contributed significantly to the success of his administration.

He, however, identified inadequate funding, shortage of office space, land-grabbing, staffing concerns,hostel accomodation, internal roads, inadequate staff quarters, and the absence of perimeter fencing as major challenges confronting the institution.

“The university is porous because it is not fenced. This is a major challenge. Once that is addressed, many security-related issues will be resolved. Funding also remains a significant challenge, especially as we strive not to place excessive financial burdens on our students,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted some of the achievements recorded during his administration, including the provision of 24-hour solar-powered electricity through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), accreditation of academic programmes, establishment of new faculties, expansion of infrastructure and increased research output.

He disclosed that new faculties established during the period include the Faculty of Computing, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences and Faculty of Media and Communication.

Georgewill also said the university’s scholarship scheme for indigent students had supported thousands of beneficiaries through the contributions of 13 philanthropists and corporate partners.

He noted that UNIPORT had strengthened its global visibility through research collaborations, grants and innovation-driven programmes, including the Mastercard Foundation-funded TAGDev 2 initiative.

Among the major projects completed during his tenure, he listed the Theatre Arts Complex, a modern convocation arena, lecture auditoriums, student hostels, departmental buildings, solar-powered street lighting, an innovation hub for South-South universities and a multipurpose research centre.

He added that all academic programmes of the university currently enjoy full accreditation, while industrial harmony has been sustained through constructive engagement with staff and student unions.

According to him, the institution has also fully implemented its staff development policy and strengthened career services interventions aimed at enhancing students’ employability and professional growth.