The University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has honoured the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, with Honourary Doctor of Science degrees in recognition of their outstanding contributions to national development and public service.

The awards were presented during the university’s grand celebration of its 50th Anniversary and 35th Convocation Ceremony, held on Saturday, July 26th, at the university’s convocation arena.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Owunari Georgewill, said the recipients were carefully selected for their exemplary leadership, service to humanity, and continued support for the advancement of education in Nigeria. He emphasized that the university remains committed to honouring individuals who embody excellence and patriotism.

Other distinguished personalities who received Honourary Degrees at the ceremony include the Chairman of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and former Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari, and the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri.

The convocation lecture, titled “The Role of Universities in Nation Building,” was delivered by a renowned academic and stressed the strategic importance of universities in driving economic development, innovation, and national cohesion.

In his remarks, the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, expressed gratitude to the university for the honour, describing it as a humbling recognition of his contributions to public service and development efforts, especially during his tenure as Governor of Rivers State. He reiterated his commitment to supporting education as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s progress.

Also speaking, Senator Oluremi Tinubu thanked the university for the honour and urged Nigerian youths to embrace education as a tool for personal growth and national transformation.

Dignitaries from across the country, including government officials, academics, and traditional rulers, graced the occasion, which also saw the graduation of thousands of students from various faculties.

The University of Port Harcourt was established in 1975 and has since grown to become one of Nigeria’s leading institutions of higher learning. The 50th-anniversary celebration served as a moment of reflection on the university’s journey so far and a platform for projecting future aspirations.