The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has announced the appointment of Professor Princewill Chike, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Health, as its 10th Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Chike will take over from the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Owunari Georgewill, whose tenure officially ends on July 13, 2026.
The appointment was approved by the university’s Governing Council following the successful completion of a competitive selection process conducted in line with statutory regulations guiding the appointment of vice-chancellors in Nigerian universities.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Dr. Sam Kpenu, the university disclosed that the appointment was ratified by the 17th Governing Council after a thorough screening and selection exercise.
According to the statement, the process involved the establishment of a Search Team and a Joint Council-Senate Selection Board, both of which carried out their responsibilities in accordance with the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and the University of Port Harcourt Act.
The university noted that the selection process adhered strictly to all legal and regulatory requirements governing leadership appointments in Nigeria’s higher education system.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mao Ohuabunwa, congratulated Professor Chike on his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to provide visionary leadership that would advance the institution’s academic excellence and development.
Professor Chike previously served as Rivers State Commissioner for Health under the administration of Nyesom Wike.
He is expected to formally assume office as the 10th Vice-Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt on July 13, 2026.
Before leaving office, Professor Georgewill will preside over his final convocation ceremony, scheduled to hold on June 5 and June 6, marking the end of his tenure as the university’s ninth Vice-Chancellor.
