Harcourt Port, Rivers State —The head of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has restated the government’s strong dedication to providing high-quality education across all levels, highlighting that no child will be overlooked or prevented from pursuing academic growth.

Vice Admiral Ibas announced this on Saturday at the 35th Convocation Ceremony and 50th Anniversary of the University of Port Harcourt, which took place at the Chief Nyesom Wike Convocation Arena in Choba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.

As part of the day’s activities, the Administrator unveiled the Convocation Arena—a notable building finished during the leadership of former Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.

Vice Admiral Ibas described the state government’s comprehensive education plan, which involves continuous infrastructure development and higher financial support for state-run universities and affiliated institutions. He mentioned that these initiatives are intended to enhance the institutions’ ability to function as hubs of academic excellence and sources of inspiration.

“The government and people of Rivers State express sincere thanks to His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, for his forward-thinking leadership, dedication to the nation’s renewal, and broad efforts in development that keep building trust throughout the country,” Ibas stated.

His consistent backing of the education field, and initiatives in Rivers State during this emergency administration, has established a favorable setting for endeavors like this to thrive.

The Administrator restated the government’s vision for education, stating: “As Administrator of Rivers State, I reaffirm our steadfast dedication to education as a key element of sustainable growth. We will keep supporting educational institutions at all levels, from basic to higher education, ensuring that no child is neglected and that our universities stay competitive on the global stage.”

Vice Admiral Ibas, who referred to the University’s 50th Anniversary as “historic,” praised UNIPORT’s long-standing tradition of academic excellence, research creativity, and contribution to society.

The university’s leader urged the campus community to continue developing the existing base with a stronger dedication to boosting its international significance.

Today, we come together to celebrate five decades of academic excellence, research breakthroughs, national contribution, and international significance. Fifty years represents a significant milestone in the history of any organization.

At that time, the University of Port Harcourt evolved from humble origins into one of Nigeria’s most esteemed centers of education, nurturing leaders, intellectuals, scientists, professionals, and patriots who keep influencing the course of our country.

Vice Admiral Ibas also recognized the efforts of distinguished individuals who received honorary degrees during the ceremony, such as the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike; the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri; and the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of TETFund, Alhaji Aminu Masari.

The official commended them for their exceptional contribution to the country and their backing of educational progress.

Speaking to the graduates, Vice Admiral Ibas praised their accomplishments and called on them to apply their expertise and abilities towards meaningful, real-world contributions to the community. He inspired them to be agents of change and ethical leaders in their respective areas.

During his comments, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, conveyed a sense of accomplishment regarding the university’s 50-year history of academic distinction and contributions to the country since its founding in 1975.

He stated that, as part of the anniversary event, the university is holding its 35th Joint Graduation Ceremony, awarding a total of 13,861 degrees. This comprises 9,788 Bachelor’s degrees, 2,131 Master’s degrees, 208 Postgraduate Diplomas, and 934 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.