The UNIPORT Convocation 2026 ceremony will celebrate the academic achievements of 8,156 students, including 120 graduates who earned First Class honours. The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) announced the figures ahead of its 36th Convocation Ceremony scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026.
University officials described the milestone as another reflection of the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and human development.
UNIPORT to Confer Degrees on Over 8,000 Graduates
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, disclosed the graduation statistics during a pre-convocation press briefing in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the university will award certificates and degrees to a total of 8,156 graduands across various academic levels.
The breakdown shows that 5,822 students will receive first-degree certificates. Another 510 graduates will earn postgraduate diplomas.
In addition, 1,386 students will obtain Master’s degrees, while 438 candidates will be awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
Georgewill stated that the achievements highlight the university’s dedication to quality education and character development.
“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.
Nyesom Wike to Deliver Convocation Lecture
As part of activities for the UNIPORT Convocation 2026, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, will deliver the convocation lecture.
The Vice-Chancellor also acknowledged the support received from both the Federal Government and the Rivers State Government over the institution’s 51-year history.
According to him, government interventions have helped strengthen infrastructure, expand academic facilities, and improve the overall learning environment.
He noted that continued collaboration with stakeholders remains important for the university’s future growth and development.
Vice-Chancellor Highlights Key Challenges
Despite recent progress, Georgewill identified several challenges affecting the institution.
He listed inadequate funding as one of the university’s biggest concerns. Other issues include limited office space, insufficient hostel accommodation, and staffing shortages.
The Vice-Chancellor also raised concerns about land encroachment, poor internal road networks, and inadequate staff housing facilities.
Furthermore, he described the absence of perimeter fencing as a major security challenge.
“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 explained.
Georgewill’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor will end on July 13. He expressed gratitude to staff and students for their support throughout his administration.
Achievements Recorded During Georgewill’s Administration
The outgoing Vice-Chancellor highlighted several accomplishments achieved during his leadership.
One of the major successes was the provision of 24-hour solar-powered electricity through collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
He also pointed to the successful accreditation of academic programmes and the creation of new faculties.
The newly established faculties include the Faculty of Computing, the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Media and Communication.
Additionally, the university expanded infrastructure and increased its research output during the period.
Georgewill noted that UNIPORT strengthened its international reputation through research partnerships, grants, and innovation-focused programmes. These include the Mastercard Foundation-funded TAGDev 2 initiative.
Infrastructure Expansion and Student Support
The university completed several major projects during the administration.
These projects include a Theatre Arts Complex, a modern convocation arena, lecture auditoriums, and new student hostels.
UNIPORT also constructed departmental buildings and installed solar-powered streetlights across parts of the campus.
Other projects include an innovation hub designed for South-South universities and a multipurpose research centre.
The Vice-Chancellor further revealed that the university’s scholarship programme has supported thousands of indigent students through contributions from 13 philanthropists and corporate partners.
He added that all academic programmes currently enjoy full accreditation.
Moreover, the institution has maintained industrial harmony through regular engagement with staff unions and student representatives.
The university has also implemented its staff development policy and strengthened career support services aimed at improving graduate employability.
The UNIPORT Convocation 2026 marks another important chapter in the history of the University of Port Harcourt. With 8,156 graduates set to receive degrees and certificates, including 120 First Class graduates, the institution continues to demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence.
While challenges such as funding and campus security remain, the university has recorded significant achievements in infrastructure development, research, student support, and programme accreditation. As the institution prepares for its 36th Convocation Ceremony, stakeholders will celebrate both academic success and the progress made under the leadership of Prof. Owunari Georgewill.
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