The University of Port Harcourt has announced the appointment of Professor Princewill Chike as its 10th Vice-Chancellor, ending a selection process that drew significant attention across the academic community.
The university confirmed the appointment in an official statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Dr Sam Kpenu, on Thursday in Port Harcourt.
Chike, who previously served as Rivers State Commissioner for Health under former Governor Nyesom Wike, was selected by the institution’s 17th Governing Council following a process conducted in line with the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and the University of Port Harcourt Act.
He is expected to formally assume office on July 13, 2026, the same day the tenure of outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof Owunari Georgewill, comes to an end.
Georgewill, the 9th VC of UNIPORT, will preside over his final convocation ceremony scheduled for Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, 2026, before bowing out.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, congratulated Chike on the appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the university forward.
“The Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt has approved the appointment of Professor Princewill R. Chike as the 10th Vice-Chancellor of the University,” the statement read.
The selection process involved the constitution of a Search Team and a Joint Council-Senate Selection Board, both of which carried out their responsibilities in accordance with existing laws governing vice-chancellor appointments in Nigerian universities.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
