The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State, has honoured the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, by naming its new convocation arena after him.
The edifice, which now bears Wike’s name, was officially inaugurated on Saturday by the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok‑Ete Ekwe Ibas, as part of activities marking the university’s 35th Combined Convocation Ceremony and 50th Anniversary.
The Vice‑Chancellor of UNIPORT, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, said the institution was proud to celebrate its golden jubilee in such a landmark facility built by the Rivers State Government under Wike’s administration.
“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,” Georgewill said.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ibas praised Wike’s visionary contributions to the university’s growth.
“The conception and construction of the arena under Wike’s stewardship reflect his enduring legacy in infrastructural and educational development,” he said.
“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.
This arena, both in design and purpose, 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.
It will involve policy dialogues, innovation exhibitions and ceremonies that shape the character and capacities of generations to come.”
He added that the unveiling of the arena symbolises continuity and serves as a bridge between a legacy of excellence and the promise of tomorrow.
Responding, Wike—who was also conferred with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Political Science (D.Sc. Honoris Causa)—expressed heartfelt gratitude to the university.
“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 further described his alma mater as the foundation for his achievements.
“UNIPORT availed me the rich and concrete intellectual foundation upon which my socio‑economic and political ascendancy have been fittingly predicated. 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 have the opportunity to do so,” he added.
Other recipients of honorary doctorate degrees at the event included First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, and Aminu Masari, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
