UNIPORT Appoints Former Rivers Health Commissioner as 10th Vice-Chancellor
The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has announced the appointment of Professor Princewill Chike, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Health, as its 10th substantive Vice-Chancellor.
The appointment was approved by the university’s Governing Council following a comprehensive selection process designed to identify a suitable candidate to lead the institution into its next phase of development.
Professor Chike, a distinguished academic and medical professional, previously served as Commissioner for Health in Rivers State during the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike. His appointment marks a significant transition in the leadership of one of Nigeria’s leading federal universities.
According to the university, the selection process was conducted in line with established regulations governing the appointment of vice-chancellors in federal universities. The exercise involved a search team and a Joint Council-Senate Selection Board, which assessed eligible candidates before making recommendations to the Governing Council.
Professor Chike will succeed Professor Owunari Georgewill, whose tenure as Vice-Chancellor comes to an end on July 13, 2026. The outgoing vice-chancellor is widely credited with advancing academic excellence, research development, and infrastructural growth during his time in office.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, congratulated the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor and expressed confidence in his ability to provide visionary leadership that will further strengthen the university’s reputation both nationally and internationally.
Stakeholders within the institution have welcomed the appointment, describing it as a new chapter in UNIPORT’s quest for academic innovation, quality research, and institutional growth.
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As Professor Chike prepares to assume office, expectations remain high that his wealth of experience in academia, healthcare administration, and public service will contribute significantly to the continued advancement of the University of Port Harcourt.
