UNIPORT Archives - Phenomenal

The Flood’s Fury: UNIPORT feels corrective pulse of Kommuniti Theatre

Phenomenal — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 13:28:09 +0000

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There is no stopping the train of Thespian Theatre’s pro-environment varsity drama train as it has straddled the University of Port Harcourt with a bang.

If there is any state in Nigeria that needs the message of environmental safety and climate change mostly, it might just be Rivers State, where the university is domiciled. The reason is that, as the seat of oil companies and host of notable rivers, it is prone to degradation. When Thespian Family Theatre & Productions thus recently berthed at the University of Port Harcourt, with a message of renewal for the environment, it was just at the right place at the right time.

The Ayo Jaiyesimi-founded group had inspired the ivory tower’s drama students to stage ‘The Flood’s Fury’, a one-act drama explores the catastrophic impact of flood on a fishing port community of the Niger Delta region. The fisherman (central character) recounts the horrific events that unfolded as the flood strikes without warning, destroying homes, livelihoods, and lives.

According to Jaiyesimi, the show, which attracted a large audience especially from among the school community, is part of the Komuniti Theatre Project through which Thespian is advocating for the protection of the environment. It has, since about two months ago, been touring universities in different parts of the country, sensitising them on the hard reality of climate change and dangers of pollution. The Komuniti project has been to other varsities that include Bowen University, Iwo, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, while it will be at the Lagos State University, Ojo, this September.

‘The Flood’s Fury’ perfectly fits into the project as it dwells on a menace that the nation dare not ignore: flooding. In the play, the fisherman describes the power and fury of the rising waters, which seem to have a life of their own as they sweep away everything in their path. He reflects on the fragility of human existence in the face of nature’s wrath, and how the community is unprepared and powerless to stop the destruction.

The producers add that the play also highlights the role of human actions and negligence in contributing to the disaster. The fisherman talks about how the community has disrupted the natural balance of the river through unsustainable development and environmental degradation, setting the stage for the catastrophic flood.

As the flood rages, the play depicts the chaos, panic, and personal tragedies that unfold, including the drowning of the fisherman’s own family. The aftermath is described, with the community left to grapple with the immense loss, trauma, and the daunting task of rebuilding their lives.

Ultimately, the play serves as a cautionary tale, urging the audience to heed the lessons of the flood and take action to mitigate the risks of such disasters in the future. The fisherman’s story underscores the need for better environmental stewardship, disaster preparedness, and a deeper respect for the power and unpredictability of nature.

Phenomenal — Sat, 10 Feb 2024 12:42:20 +0000

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The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has acquired a Medical Simulation Laboratory to enhance healthcare delivery and training in Nigeria.

UNIPORT’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Owunari George, will announced the development in a statement issued by the institution’s spokesman, Dr Sam Kpenu, in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

He said that the World Bank Centre of Excellence in Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR) in UNIPORT donated the equipment to the institution.

“The sophisticated medical equipment for training of medical and health workers will be used to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

“The project, funded by the World Bank, will also be used to enhance education of medical students by providing a link between classroom learning and real-life clinical situations.

“The procurement demonstrates UNIPORT’s commitment to the development of education in Nigeria, particularly, and in Sub-Sahara Africa in general,” he said.

Georgewill expressed confidence that the facility would be effectively utilised to produce more excellent graduates who can compete favourably with their counterpart in the country and globally.

“The use of simulation has become increasingly relevant in the changing trends of training medical and health workers to acquire the right knowledge and skills in the evolving landscape.

The vice-chancellor commended the World Bank for its contributions to the university’s educational development.

The Leader of the centre, Prof. Daprim Ogaji, revealed that the centre was operated by a multidisciplinary team with a vision to provide leadership and communicate best practices in research, training, and innovation.

“The simulator is a world class, high-fidelity equipment that simulates across various specialty training in medicine.

“The equipment will provide learners with real-world opportunities to develop and practise their knowledge and skills in a simulated environment,” he stated

CP Uzuegbu tasks UNIPORT alumni on contributing to security

Phenomenal — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 13:23:40 +0000

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The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has tasked the University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT) Alumni Association on contributing to security and peace in the country.

Uzuegbu gave the task on Wednesday when he received and interacted with the leadership of the Anambra and Enugu Chapters of the University of Port-Harcourt Alumni Association, led by Dr Ozo Anikwe, in his office in Enugu.

The Commissioner, who is also an Alumnus of the University, urged the Alumni to continue to be good ambassadors of the institution.

“It is expedient on us as educated and enlightened personalities to contribute to the peace and security of the society,” he said.

Earlier, Anikwe informed the commissioner that they were in his office to show solidarity and encourage him to keep up the good work of proactively policing Enugu State.

He pledged the continued support of the association to the commissioner and police in the state.

The commissioner was joined in welcoming the visitors by ACP Hope Okereke, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, and other staff officers of the Command.

She first stabbed me – Student who killed girlfriend in Edo

Phenomenal — Tue, 29 Aug 2023 21:54:14 +0000

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Police in Edo have arrested a 24-year-old student of the University of Port Harcourt for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend to death.

Commissioner of Police in Edo, Mr Muhammed Dankwara told newsmen on Tuesday in Benin that the suspect’s landlord reported the case to the police.

The landlord, he said, told the police that the student stabbed the lady several times in the neck and in the chest with a knife.

“Police operatives immediately swung into action, arrested the suspect, recovered two knives, and rushed the victim to the hospital where her body was deposited in a morgue.

“Items recovered from the suspect were two blood-stained knives, two iPhones, one Nokia phone, one laptop, and two ATM cards.

“The case was transferred to the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Benin. The suspect will be arraigned for murder soon,’’ Dankwara said.

Speaking with newsmen, the suspect said the deceased travelled from Asaba to spend some time with him in Benin when he found some fetish substances in her possession.

He said this led to an argument that resulted in the girl stabbing him and he responded in equal measure.

In another development, Dankwara announced the arrest of a 25-year-old who allegedly defrauded an 18 year-old of N5.2 million.

The police commissioner said fake denominations of foreign currencies and charms used for hypnotising and manipulating victims were recovered from the suspect.

He said the suspect already wrote a confessional statement to the police and would soon be arraigned.

Dankwara also paraded a 31-year-old who allegedly released nude pictures of his ex-girlfriend to the public and another one for alleged rape.

Another suspect paraded before newsmen was a member of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Service who was arrested over suspected murder.

Dankwara said the suspect reportedly shot his victim to death.

UNIPORT lecturer wins £3,000 John Maddox Prize on research

Phenomenal — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 05:53:53 +0000

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Dr Eucharia Nwaichi, a biochemist at the University of Port Harcourt, has won the prestigious 2022 John Maddox Prize for her evidence-based approach to uniting conflicting communities over pollution in the Niger Delta.

Nwaichi becomes the 11th recipient of the prestigious Prize by developing solutions and putting forward evidence to advance public discourse around soil recovery in challenging circumstances.

Tracey Brown OBE, Director, Sense About Science and Judge, made the disclosure in Abuja on Monday.

The director said nominations received included scientific evidence in difficult discussions about laboratory safety, testosterone levels in Olympic athletes, and vaccine efficacy.

“It is frustrating that in so many parts of the world, people are indulging reactions against research without a thought about how important that evidence and the freedom to discuss it could be.

“It’s especially frustrating when research institutions do not defend that space or their researchers. We are delighted that the award goes to Dr Nwaichi.

“She engaged opposing hostile forces in asking scientific questions to make sure solutions would be effective, a refreshing approach in a world where it is becoming common to stake out political sides around research findings.”

Brown said the Niger Delta, West Africa’s largest oil producing region, suffered serious contamination, saying the research on effective ways to clean up the soil (phytoremediation) was urgently needed.

She said Nwaichi convinced local communities and oil companies to take part in research to find viable solutions, in spite of the intense and dangerous levels of conflict and personal risk to herself.

“Through her constructive approach using scientific evidence she has been able to resolve a dispute between local communities and an oil company on the effects of liquid waste on fish stocks in Rivers State, diffusing a conflict that threatened to escalate into violence.

“She continues to work with local communities to trial new methods for soil remediation despite the intense personal threat to her from representatives of a different oil company whose officials confiscated her recordings and data.’’

On being the award, Dr Eucharia Nwaichi, said receiving the John Maddox Prize from such reputable institutions was a huge honour, with a resonating feeling.

“When my husband received the great news, he said ‘the ‘uninformed bully and chauvinists who failed to recognize your work for society have unintentionally referred you to the right people’.

“Scientists, like me, are emboldened by this singular award to confront obstacles and ensure credible evidence is used to inform policies for sustainable development.”

The John Maddox Prize is a joint initiative of the charity Sense about Science and the leading international scientific journal Nature.

The Prize has been awarded annually since 2012 to researchers who have shown great courage and integrity in standing up for science and scientific reasoning against fierce opposition and hostility.

Dr Eucharia Nwaichi goes home with a £3,000 grand prize.
– NAN

NUGA: UNIPORT goes wild with gold

Phenomenal — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 15:13:05 +0000

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Team University of Port Harcourt (Uniport) has extended its lead on the medals table in a last minute gold rush at the ongoing 26th Nigeria University Games (NUGA) at the University of Lagos (Unilag).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Team Uniport sit comfortably at the summit of the Medals table with an unassailable lead of 50 gold, 23 silver and 26 bronze, totally 99 medals.

Team Uniport, also the defending champions having won the 25th NUGA in 2017 with 70 medals, have improved to win the prime spot in the 26th edition with 99 medals.

The strength of Team Uniport, however, lies in individual sports where they dominated the podium finish in swimming with 20 gold, eight silver and eight bronze medals.

The Team Uniport were also dominant in Tennis, athletics and combat sports such as Judo Karate Taekwondo.

In the second place is the host, Team Unilag, with 25 gold, 27 silver and 19 bronze, making a total of 71 medals.

Team Nile University, Abuja, the surprise team of the competition, occupy third place with 15 gold, 10 silver and 13 bronze to make a haul of 38 medals.

Team Nile was also dominant in swimming with 11 gold, eight silver and 11 bronze medals.

University of Benin occupies the fourth row with six gold, eight silver and three bronze, with a total of 24 medals.

They are followed by another surprise entrant, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, in fifth position with six gold, eight silver and three bronze, totalling 17 medals.

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, sits sixth on the table with six gold, two silver and 14 bronze, to secure a total of 22 medals; while University of Benin emerged seventh with four gold, three silver and five bronze, totalling 22 medals.

Federal University of Technology Akure occupies eight place on the table with four gold, two silver and seven bronze, with a total of 13 medals, while University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has four gold, one silver and four bronze, total of nine medals to sit ninth.

The 10th placed team is University of Uyo, with three gold, three silver and nine bronze, to secure a 15 medals at the event.

NAN reports that 2022 NUGA games featuring 73 universities across Nigeria participated in 17 sporting activities with over 10,000 contingents and volunteers hosted by UNILAG

Father declines to speak as UNIPORT student dies after exam

Phenomenal — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 13:20:35 +0000

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Father of a student of the University of Port Harcourt, Gloria Adeleye, who slumped and died after sitting for its exam has declined to speak with the authorities of the institution.

Gloria, who was of the Department of Animal Science, was said to have finished her exams on Thursday, April 1, 2021, and left the school for her family residence Port Harcourt, but a few days later, news of her demise filtered into the campus, sending cold shivers down the spine of her friends and the entire department.

As ‘The Punch’ reports, the 500-level student was said to have slumped at home on Tuesday, April 6, and was rushed to hospital, where she died. The cause of death has, however, not yet been ascertained.

But the Public Relations Officer of the university, Sammy Kpenu, expressed regrets at the development, but said it was wrong for anyone to say Gloria died on the school campus.

He stated, “It is fake. The lady, who put up the post that she died in school, has already apologised to the department, because it caused a lot of problems.

“The lady (deceased) had left the school almost a week ago and was in her family house. She finished her exams on April 1 and had been with her family.

“So, from what we heard, she just slumped and by the time she was rushed to hospital, she was pronounced dead. So, it wasn’t anything that had to do with Uniport community.”

Meanwhile, the Head of Department, Animal Science and the department’s students association in a statement obtained by our correspondent said they had tried to reach the deceased’s father, but that he was unwilling to speak.

“The department tried reaching the father yesterday, but he was not willing to communicate with anyone. However, the department is planning a condolence visit once a date is agreed with the father,” the statement read in part.

UNIPORT warns public over fake recruitment ad on social media

Phenomenal — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 12:06:21 +0000

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The management of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has warned members of the public to ignore an advertisement purportedly by the institution, seeking to offer jobs to Nigerians.

The university’s Spokesman, Sam kpenu, gave the warning in a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Port Harcourt.

Kpenu said that the fake recruitment notice was the handiwork of fraudsters and warned aspiring applicants against falling prey to the scam.

He said: ”The attention of UNIPORT management has been drawn to a fake Facebook account opened with the name of the Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Okodudu.

”The criminally minded persons behind the account are asking unsuspecting Nigerians to pay N200,000 for a non-existing placement at the Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja.

”The fake account is operated by a faceless individual with phone numbers: 07062317279 and 09029277867.”

Kpenu pointed out that advertisements for recruitment into the university were usually placed on the mainstream medi, as well as the university’s website for applicants to apply.

”To this end, the university wishes to dissociate herself and the vice chancellor, Prof. Stephen Okodudu, from the fake Facebook, LinkedIn and Instragram accounts, among others.

”The public is hereby advised to be cautious to avoid being ensnared by fraudsters.

”The acting vice chancellor does not operate nor have such social media handles,” he warned.

The UNIPORT spokesman said the matter had already been reported to security agencies, to enable them to arrest and prosecute those behind the scam.

UNIPORT lecturer abducted, 3 journalists attacted in Rivers

Phenomenal — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 15:51:35 +0000

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Suspected gunmen have abducted a lecturer with the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Dr Jones Ayuwo, and attacked three journalists of the Rivers State Television (RSTV).

Ayuwo, a lecturer in the Department of Linguistics and Communications Studies, was kidnapped on Sunday night on Andoni-Ogoni Road, Rivers.

The victim was said to have been returning from a meeting with members of his local language Bible translation committee when he was attacked.

Ayuwo, whose wife is the Bursar of UNIPORT, also serves as a member of the Governing Council of Elechi Amadi Polytechnic, Rumuola, Port Harcourt.

NAN gathered the three journalists, who had covered the committee’s meeting, were also attacked while returning from the event in separate incidents.

The journalists had their phones, video camera and other valuables forcefully taken from them by the hoodlums.

Spokesman for UNIPORT, Mr Samuel Kpenu, who confirmed the abduction said no contact had been established with the suspected kidnappers.

“However, the university is on top of the game, and has already contacted and sympathised with the family and promised to stand by them,” he said.

In a related development, suspected gunmen also on Sunday kidnapped a first class traditional ruler, King Aaron Ikuru of Ikuru Town in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers.

An eyewitness said the traditional ruler was forcefully taken away from his palace by the gunmen.

Confirming the abduction, the Police Public Relations Officer in Rivers, SP Nnamdi Omoni, said the command was aware of the incidents.

He said: “The command has received the report of the abductions but we have yet to get the full details of the events.”

Omoni promised to release a statement when the command got details of the abductions.

COVID-19: UNIPORT directs compulsory use of face masks in campus

Phenomenal — Sat, 20 Jun 2020 15:06:00 +0000

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The management of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers, has directed compulsory use of face masks on its campuses to curtail spread of COVID-19 in the state.

Prof. Regina Ogali, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), made this known in a statement by the institution’s Deputy Registrar (Information), Dr Williams Wodi, in Port Harcourt on Saturday.

Ogali was quoted as having issued the directive during a meeting between principal officers and members of COVID-19 Steering Committee in the university.

Ogali, who currently oversees the affairs of UNIPORT in the absence of a substantive Vice Chancellor, said the decision was in-line with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) COVID-19 protocol.

“Henceforth, all staff, students and visitors to UNIPORT must fully observe the COVID-19 protocol as approved by NCDC and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“We called this meeting with the COVID-19 Steering Committee, especially now that the number of confirmed cases in Rivers State is becoming scary by the day.

“To this end, we need to take proactive steps to safeguard the health status of staff, residents and visitors to the university.

“Also, we need to plan ahead of possible resumption of academic activities, if and when we are so directed by the Federal Government,” Ogali told the committee members.

She said that the university had started taking delivery of equipment and kits for its COVID-19 test centre and expressed optimism that the centre would become fully operational in July.

The deputy vice chancellor added that management would soon instal infrared thermometers, hand sanitisers and running water at strategic locations, including offices and faculty buildings.

She directed the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the university to start production of hand sanitisers in commercial quantity for distribution to the public.

“Also, we should begin to think seriously about encouraging our Information and Communication Technology Centre and ODel, a virtual centre, to work out modalities to enable UNIPORT to begin online learning,” she noted.

The Chairman of the committee, Prof. Iyeopu Siminialayi, attributed the rising number of confirmed coronavirus cases to increase of testing in the state.

Siminialayi, Provost of the College of Health Sciences at the University, said that work was ongoing to convert the International Students Centre to a temporary quarantine and isolation centre.

On his part, Dr Datonye Alasia, another member of the committee and an infectious disease expert, said that about 40 per cent to 50 per cent of people tested for COVID-19 turned out positive.