Edith CHUKU
A new era has began for the University of Port Harcourt, following the swearing-in of its newly appointed Vice Chancellor, Prof Chike Princewill Chike.
Chike was sworn in on Monday, as the university’s 10th vice chancellor, where he expressed his determination to uphold what he described as the university’s longstanding tradition of academic excellence, innovation and service.
Delivering his inaugural address, the new VC expressed gratitude to God, the governing council and the entire university community for the confidence reposed in him.
He described his appointment as a call to greater service and a collective responsibility to strengthen the institution’s position as one of Nigeria’s leading universities.
Chike assured members of the university community that his administration would be anchored on integrity, accountability, transparency and inclusiveness.
According to him, priority would be given to improving academic standards, promoting cutting-edge research, strengthening innovation, embracing digital transformation and expanding collaborations with government, industry, alumni and international institutions.
The vice-chancellor promised that students would remain at the centre of his administration’s vision through improved welfare, quality teaching, entrepreneurship development and the provision of an enabling environment for learning and character development.
He also pledged to work closely with staff to foster industrial harmony, reward excellence and encourage teamwork in achieving the university’s strategic objectives.
He further called on members of staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders to unite behind a common vision of advancing the university, even as he emphasized that collective commitment, discipline and mutual respect would be essential in positioning the institution among the leading universities in Africa and beyond.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Mao Ohuabunwa, congratulated the VC on his appointment, describing him as a distinguished scholar, seasoned administrator and visionary leader with the experience and competence required to lead the university at this critical period.
Ohuabunwa said the governing council conducted a transparent and merit-based selection process and was confident that Chike possessed the leadership qualities necessary to consolidate the university’s achievements while pursuing greater academic excellence, impactful research, innovation and institutional development.
He urged the new vice-chancellor to uphold the principles of accountability, financial prudence, discipline and adherence to the university’s statutes in the discharge of his responsibilities. He also assured him of the governing council’s support in implementing policies and programmes that would enhance the university’s reputation nationally and internationally.
The Pro-chancellor further appealed to members of staff, students and the entire university community to give the new vice-chancellor their maximum cooperation, stressing that sustained progress could only be achieved through unity, peace and collective commitment to the institution’s shared vision.
