36th Convocation: UNIPORT Graduates Over 8,000 Students, 120 Earn First-Class Degrees
By Rafael Ebua Nwakama
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has announced that 120 students will graduate with First-Class honours during its 36th Combined Convocation Ceremony scheduled for Friday, June 5, 2026.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, disclosed this during a media briefing held in Port Harcourt on Monday as part of activities marking the institution’s convocation programme.
Prof. Georgewill revealed that a total of 8,156 graduands have been approved for graduation across various academic programmes. According to him, the convocation will feature the award of first degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and academic prizes.
He further announced that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will deliver the convocation lecture during the ceremony.
Describing the convocation as one of the university’s most significant academic traditions, the Vice-Chancellor noted that the event provides an opportunity to celebrate academic excellence, honour deserving graduates, and showcase the institution’s achievements.
Providing a breakdown of the graduating class, Prof. George stated that 510 graduands will receive Postgraduate Diplomas, 1,386 will be awarded Master's Degrees, while 438 have been certified for the award of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
He emphasized that the 120 First-Class graduates represent the university’s continued commitment to high academic standards and excellence in learning and research.
The Vice-Chancellor also outlined activities lined up for the week-long convocation programme, which commenced on Friday, May 29, with a Juma’at prayer at the university mosque and a thanksgiving service at the Chapel of Annunciation on May 31.
According to him, the programme will continue on Tuesday, June 2, with a tree-planting ceremony by the institution’s Best Graduating Student at the New Convocation Arena, followed later in the day by a red-carpet event and command performance at the Arts Theatre, Delta Park.
On Wednesday, June 3, class day activities will be held across the university’s faculties, while a special dinner hosted by the Vice-Chancellor for First-Class and Distinction graduates will take place at the Vice-Chancellor’s Lodge.
The activities will continue on Thursday, June 4, with an Alumni Day Research Fair and Exhibition at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Building and the University Library. A fireside chat featuring the Founding Partner of Future Africa, is also scheduled to be held at the CBN Auditorium.
The main convocation ceremony will take place on Friday, June 5, beginning with an academic procession at the New Convocation Arena, followed by the award of first degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and master's degrees.
The programme will conclude on Saturday, June 6, with another academic procession, the 36th Convocation Lecture to be delivered by FCT Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the conferment of Doctor of Philosophy degrees on successful candidates.
Prof. Georgewill reaffirmed the university’s commitment to academic excellence, character development, innovation, and service to humanity, stressing that UNIPORT remains dedicated to advancing knowledge and contributing to societal development.
As his tenure as the institution’s ninth Vice-Chancellor approaches its conclusion next month, he expressed optimism about the university’s future, calling for stronger partnerships and sustained support from stakeholders.
He commended both the Federal Government and the Rivers State Government for their contributions to the growth and success of the institution over the past 51 years, noting that the university’s achievements remain a collective accomplishment shared by students, alumni, benefactors, partners, and friends of the institution worldwide.
