Prominent Reservoir Engineer Chike Nwonodi bags doctoral degree as UNIPORT holds 36th convocation.

Port Harcourt: A prominent Port Harcourt-based Senior Reservoir Engineer, Dr. Chike Nwonodi, was among the 8,156 students who graduated during the 36th Combined Convocation Ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), held from June 1 to June 6, 2026 in Port Harcourt Rivers State. The week-long convocation activities culminated in a grand finale on Saturday, June 6, featuring the conferment of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees on Engineer Chike Nwonodi and others as well as a thought-provoking convocation lecture delivered by a former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. During the lecture presentation titled, “Leadership and Infrastructure Development in Nigeria: Lessons for Future Leaders,” Wike challenged graduates to embrace visionary leadership and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Correspondents of Umuaka Times who monitored the ceremony reported that the event attracted numerous high-profile dignitaries from the academia, government, and the organized private sector. The celebration was marked by cultural displays, academic activities, alumni engagements, and recognition of outstanding achievements by students and faculty members. The ceremony was hosted by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill, and featured distinguished guests and alumni, including renowned entrepreneur and technology investor Mr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, OON, Chief Executive Officer of Future Africa, who participated in a fireside chat on career development and life after graduation.

A total of 8,156 students were honoured during the convocation, including 120 First Class graduates, 438 PhD recipients, and numerous prize winners who were recognized for exceptional academic performance across various faculties.

Providing a breakdown of the graduating class, Prof. Georgewill disclosed that 5,822 students received first-degree certificates, 510 earned postgraduate diplomas, 1,386 obtained Master’s degrees, while 438 were awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the achievements recorded by the institution reflect its total commitment to academic excellence, character formation, innovation, and service to humanity.

“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 stated.

Prof. Georgewill, whose tenure as Vice-Chancellor is expected to conclude in July 2026, commended both the Federal Government and the Rivers State Government for their support to the institution over its 51 years of existence. He noted that government interventions had contributed significantly to infrastructural development, expansion of academic facilities, and improvement of the learning environment.

Despite the institution’s achievements, the Vice Chancellor highlighted several pressing challenges confronting the university, including inadequate funding, shortage of office space, land encroachment, staffing concerns, insufficient hostel accommodation, poor internal road networks, inadequate staff housing, and the absence of perimeter fencing around the campus.

“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 said.

The convocation of Engr. Chike Nwonodi, a respected professional in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, was among the highlights of the ceremony, drawing commendation from colleagues, friends, and well-wishers who described his academic accomplishments as a testament to the value of lifelong learning, professional excellence, and personal development. He bagged a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Petroleum & Gas Engineering.

Umuaka Times can confirm that the successful hosting of the 36th Combined Convocation Ceremony at UNIPORT further emphasized the University of Port Harcourt’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading institutions of higher learning and a centre for academic excellence, research and innovation.