120 students bag first class as UNIPORT graduates 8,156

The management of the University of Port Harcourt said it will confer first class degrees on 120 graduands during its 36th convocation ceremony scheduled to hold this Friday.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, who disclosed this at a news briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday ahead of the university’s 36th combined Convocation, also said a total of 8,156 students will be graduating.

Georgewill, whose tenure wound off next month as the 9th VC of the University, said the ceremony will feature the award of first degrees, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, prizes and Doctorate Degrees; while the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr Nyesom Wike, will deliver the convocation lecture.

He stated, “The Convocation Ceremony is one of the most important academic traditions of the University. It is a period when we celebrate academic excellence, confer degrees and honours on deserving graduands, and showcase the achievements of the institution.

“We are delighted to announce that we are set to graduate a total number of 8,156 graduands, of which 510 are for the Post Graduate Diploma, 1,386 are for Masters Degrees and 438 are for Doctor of Philosophy respectively certified for graduation during the combined convocation ceremony.

“Among these graduands, we expect to graduate 120 first class degrees recipients, reflecting the university’s sustained commitment to academic excellence.”

To mark the 36th Convocation which the VC said begun on Friday 29th May, with a Jumaat Prayer at the Mosque, and a Thanksgiving Service at the Chapel of Annunciation on 31st May, 2026, other events lined up include a Tree Planting Ceremony by the Best Graduating Student at the New Convocation Arena on Tuesday, 2nd June, 2026 by 10 am as well as a Red Carpet and Command Performance at the new  Arts Theatre, Delta Park by 6 pm.

Prof. Georgewill said Wednesday, 3rd June, 2026, there will be a  Class Day Activities at various Faculties by noon, Vce-Chancellor’s Dinner with First-Class/Distinction Graduands at the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge by 6pm, while on Thursday, 4th June, 2026 will be Alumni Day Research Fair/Exhibitions at CBN building and University Library by 10am.

He added, “Fire Side Chat with Mr. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji OON, Founding Partner, Future Africa at CBN Auditorium by 3pm. Friday, 5th June 2026.

Academic Procession at the New Convocation Arena by 9am and Award of First Degrees, PGDs, and Master’s Degrees, while Saturday, 6th June 2026. Academic Procession at the New Convocation Arena.”

He continued,“Also there will be a“36th Convocation Lecture by His Excellency Chief (Barr) Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, Hon. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Conferment of Ph.D.”

While reaffirming the University’s commitment to academic excellence, character development, and service to humanity, the VC said UNIPORT remains steadfast in its mission of advancing knowledge, promoting innovation, and serving as a catalyst for positive transformation in society.

“As we look to the future, we do so with renewed determination for deeper engagement, greater relevance, and broader impact. To our students, alumni, benefactors, partners, and friends across the globe, the success of UniPort is a collective achievement.

“Together, let us continue to chart a progressive course for the future with vision, innovation, and unity of purpose even as he lauded the Federal and State Governments for being part of the university’s success story over the past 51 years.”