By Ismaila Jimoh, Abuja
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike has been conferred Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science by the University of Port Harcourt (UniPort)for his immense contributions to the growth of the nation.
The Vice – Chancellor of the university, Owunari Georgewill made this known while presenting the conferment letter to Barr. Wike in Abuja.
He disclosed that the university’s Senate approved the conferment based on Wike’s track record in public service and contributions to the development of the university, Rivers State and the nation.
According to him: “Today marks the beginning of the 50th anniversary celebration of the university of Port Harcourt, and there is no better place to commence the ceremony than where we are today.
“You are also a distinguished alumnus of the university, and so the university is honouring you not only for your service but also your service to the University of Port Harcourt.
“Your footprints are just there for everybody to see in the university.
“We are proud to be associated with you and the university is indeed very proud that you attended it; you have a DNA of that institution in you”.
He said the award is in line with the act of the university.
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university, Mao Ohuabunwa, praised Wike for making the university proud of his achievements in all areas of service he has found himself.
“The university is very proud of you because in every endeavour of your life you have made us proud.
“When you were the Chairman and Security Head of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers, you defended the university.
“When you were the minister of education, you attracted great developments to the university.
“Today the Faculty of Law is in the university because Nyesom Wike was the minister of education.”
” You did not only bring the faculty of law to the university, but you also built it.
“As if that was not enough, when you became the governor of Rivers, you made an indelible mark and built one of the best Convocation Arenas in West Africa.
“Few weeks back, when we came to congratulate you on your appointment as FCT Minister, you donated a multimedia centre for the convocation arena,” he said.
It was gathered that the official decoration and presentation of the certificate would come up on July 26,as part of the activities earmarked to mark the university’s 50th years anniversary.
While responding, Wike expressed appreciation over the honor done him, saying that whatever he has achieved today was made possible by the university, his alma mater.
“I am a proud alumnus of the university where I first studied political science before studying another degree in law”.
He explained that as the then minister of education, he wondered why a conventional university did not have a faculty of law, saying, that propelled him to make sure it has the faculty, including the faculty of social science which was separated from that of humanities.
“If I am in a position to do more for my university, I will continue to do it.
“I am happy and I accepted the offer on behalf of my family, my wife and my friends and promised to be there to celebrate the golden jubilee of the university.
