(Prof Princewill Chike. Photo by Punch News)
The new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Princewill Chike, has read the riot act to staff and students of the institution, vowing that the university under his watch will not tolerate cultism, sexual harassment and related vices capable of tarnishing the school’s image and reputation.
He handed down the warning in his speech shortly after his predecessor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, formally handed over to him as the 10th Vice-Chancellor of UNIPORT at a brief but colourful ceremony in Port Harcourt on Monday.
At the ceremony, Chike unveiled an eight-point strategic agenda aimed at strengthening academic excellence, institutional growth and discipline within the institution.
He also cautioned against unrest on campus emanating from students and various unions, urging that issues be resolved amicably rather than through confrontation.
Addressing students and staff unions directly, he appealed for no riots or disruptions, whether from students or bodies such as the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities, insisting that any grievances should be brought to him for resolution, which was why he had shared his phone numbers publicly.
He said he was ready to work with everyone as long as trouble was avoided.
He further urged students to embrace novel visibility on campus, noting that although he had heard reports of cult involvement among some students, he had not personally witnessed it, and warned that anyone involved in cult activity should leave such groups immediately.
He also cautioned against the pilfering of university funds, warning that such conduct would not be tolerated and that both the governing council and the leadership that brought him into office were watching closely.
He additionally issued a strong warning against the sexual harassment of female students, stating firmly that he wanted it known that he had spoken clearly on the matter.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Governing Council, who presided over the handover ceremony, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, commended the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, for ensuring a seamless transition.
Ohuabunwa assured the new VC of the council’s full support and urged him to hit the ground running, describing the transition as unprecedented in the university’s 50-year history, noting that it marked the first time a Vice-Chancellor had taken office through such a smooth process, and the first time an extended ceremonial congregation had been held to mark a new VC’s appointment.
He said the council had worked closely with the outgoing Vice-Chancellor and had come to admire his deep faith, commitment and dedication, describing his relationship with the council as one built on mutual respect.
Speaking on the incoming VC, he said he had known Chike for many years and described him as a thoroughbred of the university, just like his predecessor, expressing confidence that he would raise the bar and assuring him of the council’s full support to help him succeed.
In his valedictory speech, the immediate past VC, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, thanked the university community for its support and cooperation throughout his five-year tenure and advised his successor to build on the achievements recorded during his administration.
Among the strategic agenda items unveiled by the new VC were academic excellence and quality assurance, research and innovation, knowledge translation, digital transformation, ICT-driven governance, institutional harmony, inclusive leadership, and other related priorities.
