Port Harcourt, July 22, 2025 – As part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee of the University of Port Harcourt, the Chairman, Board of Trustees and the National President of the UNIPORT Alumni Association, Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill and Distinguished Senator Darlington Nwokocha, held a landmark engagement with the University’s Student Union Government (SUG) on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the CBN Centre of Excellence.
The gathering, which took place on Alumni Day of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations, was described by students as unprecedented in the history of alumni-student relations at the university. Never before had such an engagement taken place.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman Board of Trustees, Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill told the students that he wasn’t only a product of Uniport, he was a child of the University, so for him this was home.
He encouraged the students to be focused and ambitious and noted that the alumni body was eager to support students even now through mentorship, scholarships, and job placements, but they had to show that they wanted it.
“We are watching for serious students. Help us find you, and we will support you,” he said.
In his remarks, Senator Nwokocha called on the students to take their studies seriously and prepare themselves to become valuable and impactful alumni in the future. Reflecting on his own journey, he noted:
“We built our confidence from UniPort. This is where it all started.”
The President used the occasion to present the Association’s Legacy Projects — a bold 3-year development initiative designed to uplift the university community and deepen alumni impact. These include:
1. The High Flyer Scheme – Premium accommodation for top-performing students
2. A University Library & Museum – With an Alumni Hall of Fame
3. An Agric Hub – For greenhouse farming and food packaging
4. A Bakery and Bottled Water Plant – To support entrepreneurship and job creation
He emphasized that students are not only beneficiaries of these projects but potential collaborators in shaping a future of excellence and opportunity at the university.
In his response, the SUG President, Rt. Hon. Harmony Lawrence, lauded the unprecedented visit, describing it as a “historic show of interest and solidarity” by the alumni.
“This is the first time a sitting National President of the Alumni Association has made a deliberate effort to meet with us. We are grateful and encouraged,” he said.
The interactive session allowed students to ask direct questions and offer ideas, to which the President and BOT Chairman responded candidly and supportively.
In her vote of thanks, the National Secretary General, Phil Biobele Okoroafor, urged students to keep their eyes on the prize:
“There is reward at the end of this journey. We believe in you, and we look forward to welcoming you proudly into the alumni fold.”
The engagement marked a high point of the Alumni Day celebration, symbolizing a renewed bridge between past and present members of the University community — a bridge built on confidence, contribution, and a collective commitment to progress.
Proceeding from there and after a brief inspection of the site for the alumni center, the National President and his Exco were hosted by the Rivers chapter President and her Exco at the home of the Board of Trustees Chairman. Also in attendance were various key stakeholders from Rivers state and specially invited guests. The National President ended his visit with a promise to return regularly and a commitment to extend his hand of friendship to all.
Credit: Anayo Aningo, National Publicity Secretary, University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association.
