The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has approved the appointment of Professor Princewill Chike, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Health, as its 10th Vice-Chancellor.
Professor Chike will succeed the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill, whose tenure is set to expire on July 13, 2026.
Georgewill, the institution’s ninth Vice-Chancellor, is expected to preside over his final convocation ceremony on Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 6, 2026, before handing over leadership of the university.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the university in Port Harcourt on Thursday, June 4, 2026. The statement, titled “University of Port Harcourt Appoints Professor Princewill R. Chike as 10th Vice-Chancellor,” was signed by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Dr Sam Kpenu.
According to the statement, the appointment was approved by the university’s Governing Council following the successful completion of a selection process conducted in line with statutory requirements.
“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.
It added that the appointment was made by the university’s 17th Governing Council after a rigorous selection exercise carried out in strict compliance with the provisions of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and the University of Port Harcourt Act.
The university explained that the 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 and regulations governing the appointment of vice-chancellors in Nigerian universities.
Commenting on the appointment, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, congratulated Professor Chike and expressed confidence in his capacity to provide effective and visionary leadership for the institution.
Ohuabunwa said the council was optimistic that Chike would build on the university’s achievements and drive its continued growth and development.
Professor Chike is expected to officially assume office as the University of Port Harcourt’s 10th Vice-Chancellor on July 13, 2026.