By Richard Benjamin
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, is set to deliver the 36th Convocation Lecture of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) on Saturday, June 6, 2026, as part of activities marking the institution’s combined convocation ceremonies.
The lecture, themed “Leadership and Infrastructure Development in Nigeria: Lessons for Future Leaders,” will hold at 10:00 a.m. inside the Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike Convocation Arena at the university’s Choba campus.
The convocation ceremonies will see UNIPORT graduate 8,156 students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including 120 First Class graduates, alongside the award of higher degrees, prizes, and honorary recognitions.
Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, described the event as both a celebration of academic achievement and an opportunity to reflect on leadership and national development. He said Wike’s selection reflects his experience in governance and infrastructure development as both former Rivers State governor and current FCT minister.
Wike maintains longstanding ties with the institution, which previously named its convocation arena after him and conferred an honorary Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) degree in Political Science in recognition of his contributions to education and public service.
The lecture is expected to attract government officials, political figures, traditional rulers, academics, students, and other stakeholders, with university authorities describing it as an important conversation around leadership, nation building, and Nigeria’s future development.
Activities for the convocation ceremonies continue throughout the week, with anticipation building ahead of what is expected to be one of the major highlights of the programme.
