PREAMBLE

In my capacity as an author, a political analyst of note, a renowned public opinion moulder and a respected social media commentator, I have done series of books and articles on some leading political leaders and political parties’ formation in Nigeria. But, frankly speaking, writing on the academia, particularly on a leading academic in the stature of Owunari Abraham Georgewill, KSC, FRSB, London, Professor of Pharmacology and Toxicology, an erudite scholar, a respected administrator, author of repute with several publications to his credit. Described as an outstanding scholar; Georgewill’s vision and mission to turn the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State, to one of the most viable and leading institutions in Africa, is an area very unfamiliar to me.

As if to make my task a bit frightening, Dr Clement Edet, a renowned scholar introduced Georgewill in a text message he sent to me, as follows: “Prof Georgewill simply makes things work with his direct, innovative and teamwork approach. He is self-driven, impactful, thinks on his feet and has a knack for results. His hallmarks are communication skill, dedication, scholarship, and excellence.”

In my confused state of mind on how to go about this unfamiliar task, David Rockwell’s quote came to my rescue, “Every project is an opportunity to learn, to figure out problems and challenges, to invent and reinvent.” Also helpful are the following quotes from anonymous sources: “We don’t grow when things are easy; we grow when we face challenges.” “Don’t limit your challenges. Challenge your limits.” “When life gets harder, challenge yourself to be stronger.”

Against the foregoing backdrop, I unequivocally resolved to embark on this treatise based on these encouraging messages and the fact that challenges like this is what makes a strong-minded person in my mould to accept and embark upon this task of revealing to the world the history, challenges, future of University of Port Harcourt, as Georgewill embarks on the journey of becoming the ninth vice-chancellor of this great institution.

In making this attempt a bit clearer, my friend whom I graduated with from the University of Calabar, in the late ’80s – a radical philosopher of repute and no-nonsense scholar who threads where the lions are afraid to operate – Prof Andrew Efemini described Georgewill Owunari in the following terms: “He is a respecter of elders, colleagues, staff and students. He is conscious of the fact that the rights of staff and students must not be abused. We can, therefore, expect a conscious effort by him to negotiate and reach consensus with stakeholders on the way forward. Prof Georgewill has engaged in self-development within and outside Nigeria, necessary for running a first-class university like UNIPORT. I am convinced that UNIPORT under his watch will surely benefit from his well-articulated vision of a great university. Perhaps, the greatest quality he will bring to the table is his respect for constituted authorities in the country. We can expect special funding and projects to flow into UNIPORT from his goodwill and understanding and support to the administration of President Buhari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. With Professor Georgewill Owunari as vice-chancellor, we should expect full expression of students without brutalisation and victimisation. I expect him to have good working relationship with the unions on campus.”

With this clarity by Efemini, the major aim of this treatise, therefore, is to expose and present the vision and capabilities or otherwise of the new vice-chancellor to actualise his vision of making the University of Port Harcourt, not only the best in Nigeria, but one of the leading universities in Africa.

Brief history of UNIPORT

The University of Port Harcourt, popularly referred to as Unique UNIPORT, in Rivers State, in the crude oil and gas-rich Niger Delta region, was established in 1975 and officially accredited and recognised by the National Universities Commission (NUC), with enrollment range of 35,000-39,999 students. It offers courses and programmes leading to officially recognised higher education degrees, such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master’s degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. This 44-year-old institution has a selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students’ past academic records and grades. The admission rate range is 0-10 per cent, making UNIPORT a most selective institution. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

The university has produced leaders in various fields. Most outstanding were the former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, erstwhile governor of Rivers State and the incumbent Minister of Transportation Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, incumbent Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, Chief Timipre Silvia, former Governor of Bayelsa State and current Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, among other leaders holding established offices all over the world.

Vice-chancellors of Uniport from 1975 till date

1. Prof Clement Isong, 1975 -1982

2. Prof Sylvanus Cookey, 1982 - 1989

3. Prof Kelsy Harrison, 1989 - 1995

4. Prof Theo Vincent, 1995 - 2000

5. Prof. Nimi Dimkpa-Briggs, 2000 - 2005

6. Prof Don Baridam, 2005 - 2010

7. Prof Joseph Ajienka, 2010 - 2015

8. Prof. Ndowa E S Lale, 2015 - 2020

9. ? 9th Vice-Chancellor from 2020 – 2025.

Georgewill’s academic feats

Prof Owunari A Georgewill, who hails from Abonnema, Rivers State, graduated with an upper division second-class honours, from the University of Port Harcourt Medical School in 1990, and proceeded to do his housemanship at the UPTH after which he did his NYSC in Edo State. He began residency training in 1993 and was employed as Lecturer 2 in Pharmacology in 1994. He also obtained a master’s degree in pharmacology and became a professor of pharmacology on May 4, 2010. He also holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, Master of Science in Pharmacology and a Doctorate of Medicine in Pharmacology and Toxicology among other qualifications. He is a professor of pharmacology, a researcher and administrator.

Membership of international bodies

He is a fellow at Royal Society of Biology, London; Member of International Association of Medical Educators, USA; Member, Society of Pediatric Oncologists, Italy; American Society of Neurochemistry; West African Society of Pharmacology; Nigerian Medical Association; Specialist Medical Doctors in Academia; Indian Society of Pharmacology; World Academy of Science; Research-in-Medicine Society; National Cancer Investigation in UK; World Health Workers without Borders; West African Society of Toxicology and fellow, Institute of Industrial Administrators.

He’s also a friend to New York Academy of Medicine and a Justice of Peace.

In 2015, he served as a commissioner, Rivers State Commission of Enquiry. Currently, he is a member of editorial board of Asian Pacific Journal.

Services to UNIPORT

In 2010, he was appointed Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, NDU.

In 2012, he was elected deputy provost of UNIPORT Medical School.

In 2013, he was voted into the Governing Council of UNIPORT as Congregation Representative.

He has published a book, Reasoning in Drug Biology, over 50 original articles in many journals, over 15 abstracts and several research works which took him to many places, including Harvard.

Motivation to step in as next VC

With the tenure of Prof Ndowa Lale, the incumbent vice-chancellor of the institution coming to an end in June 2020, the University Governing Council through the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council will be expected to appoint and announce the new vice-chancellor after an interview of the candidates by April, 2020.

In consonance with the act establishing the University of Port Harcourt 1979 No. 84 as amended, Section 1 subsection 8 (1-2), the vice-chancellor is responsible for the academic, administrative and financial affairs of the university.

And by virtue of Prof Georgewill’s membership for four years (2013-2017) of the Governing Council of Uniport, playing significant role in the affairs of the university and in addition to having served as member of council, Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences of Niger Delta University (2010-2011), deputy Provost of the College of Health Sciences of Uniport (2012-2015) as well as Associate Dean, Students Affairs (2000-2006) and acting Head of Department of Pharmacology (2006-2008). In all these positions stated above, his exceptional performance and the results were well documented.

Earlier, he has been trusted to serve in the Finance and General Purpose Committee of council, Campus Security Committee of council, Appeals Committee of council, Board of Cordec/University Bottling Company, chairman/member, Senate ad-hoc committees; chairman, board of UDPS; chairman, Post-graduate verification committee; member, Board of the Graduate School.

Others were: Chairman, Departmental Graduate Board; chairman/member of faculty boards; member of the University Senate since 2010; member, Board of the College of Health Sciences, UNIPORT and NDU; chairman/member, Nigeria University Commission accreditation terms to universities; resource person to Nigerian Senate on Education summit; consultant to Senate Committee on Education; member of panel on Commonwealth scholarship plan of Federal Ministry of education, etc.

I expect that these experiences will definitely come in handy in ensuring that the quality of University of Port Harcourt under his watch will never be compromised.

The fact remains that with over 14 years of senior management experience, university governance and boardroom experience, Prof Georgewill is, arguably, the most experienced university leader on campus and well-qualified to be elected as the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, if merit still counts in our system.

To strengthen the case for his capability to lead UNIPORT to greater heights, Prof Sienye stated: “Prof Owunari is a humble and erudite scholar with sanguine poise and stoic determination to achieve. Achievement not necessarily for self but for humanity. His essence is humanity, his zeal directed at actualising his vision for humanity. Trusting God to direct his path, he will launch UNIPORT on the tower of excellence in Africa.”

Throwing more light on the person and personality of Georgewill, Comrade Kenson Ibialabo-Briggs, the author of A Journey into the Creeks described Georgewill thus: “He is a man humble and kindhearted. An encounter with him will let you know his nature and true character. Very intelligent, yet doesn’t pride in his achievements. Befriends all, his relationship cuts across status, levels and lines. He relates freely with the poor as much as he does with the rich. To him, life is just a passing phase and every opportunity given to you should be used to make living better for others and the society. With Prof. at the helm of affairs in UNIPORT, there will be massive turn-around in the varsity’s educational system. He is a man with great vision and passion for the educational advancement of the society.”

Great philanthropist

Throwing more light on his charitable nature, Amasenibo (Deacon) Akie Opuene-Hart, the national president of Mangrove Forest Conservation Society of Nigeria (MFCSN), said:

“The colossus fondly called Owus – Prof.Owunari Abraham Georgewill – is a prodigious asset to humanity in his dedicated, result-oriented and progressive continuous contributions to poverty-reduction, access to education and employment. My childhood friend-now-turned brother, started his selfless leadership activities right from childhood and perfected it as an adult. He touched his community and local government positively as he gave food, shelter and medical care to the needy. At the state and regional levels, he rendered qualitative and quantitative exemplary leadership in being a resource person to several inter-disciplinary and inter-sectoral interventions.

“He made tremendous pharmacological contributions to my internationally acclaimed work on Kalabiama Post-Impact and Mitigative Studies that was sponsored by Global Greengrants of Tides Foundation of The United States of America, the Mangrove Action projects of USA and Bothends of Netherlands. The studies opened the eyes of the International Community to the negative impacts of oil and gas exploration activities in the Niger Delta. Owunari did not stop at supporting my studies but also went further to bring the plights of oil and gas host communities to the attention of academic community and general public in his Inaugural Lecture.

“His verifiable contributions to local, national and international academic community are well-documented, which resulted in his being made a professor at a young age. He is a man with the Midas touch that transforms stagnancy to a state of vibrant activities. He has created several oases in the desert, and can do it again and again. He is accessible and God-fearing and can repeat the Ugboma UPTH Miracle at Uniport. It is not an accident that both of them are progressives, God-fearing and masses-loving. I highly recommend him to turn around our citadel of learning.”

In the mind of other Nigerians

“Prof. Georgewill has a track record of excellence and integrity in his service to the University of Port Harcourt and other universities where he has worked, as well as in Rivers State and our country, Nigeria. His academic qualifications speak for him: He possesses international stature to provide requisite leadership to University of Port Harcourt; he has inspiring vision and sound strategy, as seen in his manifesto for setting and achieving targeted goals that would ensure accelerated improvement in educational and research performance. His commitment to upholding the common good of all always and to quality education would immensely benefit the university community, the people of Rivers State, and Nigeria at large. With these, I think he can make a huge positive impact in improving the reputation of University of Port Harcourt as a choice university in Africa.”

— Rev Fr Justin C Njiofor, PhD

“Prof is truly humble but never timid, never a dull moment around him; he has time for everyone. For him, everybody has something to offer and should be treated as important. He is highly detribalized and accommodating. He believes in getting views from people and harnessing them. He is a true leader who identifies with both the high and the lowly Georgewill represents good will for the University of Port Harcourt.”

— Chioma Obinuchi Wodu

Prof Owunari Abraham Georgewill is a household name and true son of Rivers State. He is synonymous with humility. He is an administrator par excellence. He’s an advocate of the oppressed, trustworthy, unassuming and a no-nonsense man. He's friendly to both the haves and the have-nots. He is always full of smiles, but mean when it comes to the real business. Being VC of any institution is not enough or the only way to exploit the potentials in Georgewill. It will be one of the good things to happen to the University of Port Harcourt.”

— Sunday Adewusi

“Prof Georgewill Owunari is the right man for the job for the office of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt. He is kind, loving, caring and brilliant. A detribalised individual, always interested in making a mark for tomorrow. He is a team player. He is very vocal and pays attention to the down-trodden. He fears God, doesn’t harbour grudges and does not postpone rebuke for correction.”

— Nmecha, Staff of UNIPORT

“The man Georgewill Owunari is the Abraham of our generation: A pathfinder, he has the mandate from God to lead his people out of idolatrous practices unto righteousness, and living faith in the Lordship of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. He is focused, full of wisdom, knowledge, brilliance and intelligence. He is a man of integrity, an intellectual par excellence and an administrative czar.”

— Dr H O Stanley

“Prof Owunari A Georgewill is a jather, mentor, role model and a leader to me; an epitome of humility, selflessly optimistic, hardworking and gentle. A moment with you is worth the experience. Your leadership style will really turn things around for good. You’re always available when needed.”

— Tamuno-Tonye G. Wariboko

“I make bold to say that Prof Owunari Georgewill is my mentor. Homer, the ancient Greek poet, described a mentor as a “Wise and trusted counselor.” This applies succinctly to Georgewill who has played a critical role in guiding the development and career growth of numerous medical lecturers, especially in the field of pharmacology in Nigeria. He takes a special and personal interest in helping younger colleagues develop into successful professionals. Prof gives advice, sharing his own experiences without forcing decisions; encourages independence and ultimately builds confidence. He will definitely provide leadership academically and administratively to the University of Port Harcourt, if elected as the next Vice-Chancellor.”

— Dr Chukwudi J Njoku

“Prof Owunari Abraham Georgewill is a distinguished scholar with outstanding academic and administrative records, excellent interpersonal and team-building skills; possesses the ability to build bridges between staff, students, other members of the university community and stakeholders, including the state and local governments. He has entrepreneurial drive and ability to attract extra-statutory funds, and mobilising other resources for the development of the university. He has clear vision for further development of the University of Port Harcourt and the realisation of its vision, mission and strategic goals. He has the ability to provide world-class academic and administrative leadership. He has ICT skills and has demonstrated managerial ability to work with people of many backgrounds, pull teams together, manage complex systems, and make tough decisions fairly. Importantly, he has the capacity to be the next vice chancellor.”

— Emmanuel Barima

“When the news came that Prof Owunari Georgewil is vying for the next VC of UNIPORT, I was overwhelmed with excitement because I believe he’s the right candidate for the job. His integrity, sincerity, education and professional experiences and achievements; diligence, outspokenness, honesty and perseverance in ensuring the right things are done and with all fairness, says it all. He has basically handled administrative positions as an erudite scholar. Even students tell of his show of love and compassion when he was the head of Students’ Affairs. I strongly believe in his passion for a new Uniport, which will help in creating a positive impact on our dear Rivers State. May God grant you good success in your endeavours.”

— Dr. Omiete Victoria Olulu-Briggs

“Prof Georgewill is an ardent believer in justice, fairness and equity.

He is a man that gets things done; he loves people's will to prevail over the desires of the select few. He is peaceful, willful, and graceful. The next Uniport VC endeared with these qualities is Georgewill.”

— Dr Olaniyi Olatunji Nelson, former UNIPORT council member

My apologies

As much as I would have loved to reflect the over two hundred respondents who commented on why Prof Georgewill should be the next vice-chancellor of UNIPORT, but it is not possible to achieve that in one single article. But, hopefully, in my proposed book to be entitled, “Prof Georgewill The Enigmatic Uniport Vice-Chancellor And His Feats”, I will try to reflect all the comments. Please, find it wise in your golden hearts to forgive me. I implore you all, particularly those that I couldn't reflect their views.

Seriously, is Sir Alabo Owunari Georgewill qualified to become next VC of Uniport?

In my inability to answer this salient question, Engr. Victor Adokiye Georgewill, MNSE, Prof Georgewill’s twin brother came to my aid as he averred:

“Eze, my conviction and motivation to support Sir Chief Prof Owunari Abraham Georgewill in his quest to become the Vice-Chancellor of Uniport, stems from his strong belief in the transformative value of education and research, and multiple contributions to Uniport and the society, which has not been fully explored by past vice-chancellors. “His motive has always been to lead on developments that ensure continuous expansion of the university to be a strong and successful arena of learning, after he is long gone. He understands that in an evolving academic arena like ours, working with all and sundry without discrimination or segregation to help in the navigation of the university through all unknowns, maintaining true missions and culture from competitors, is a veritable tool that adds value. He knows the implications of the challenges for higher education, which requires thinking beyond the present, willing to take risks to surmount the challenges and, in most cases, to sue for the enforcement of currently accepted standards with future benefits. His negotiating power to benefit the university is second to none.

“Alabo Georgewill, has a career as an academic that rose through the rank and file. From teaching to the demands of peer review and the myriad of time-consuming administrative duties in the family, academic arena and society at large, he continued his research and will do more in a purely administrative position. Based on his past positions such as: Examination Officer in the Department of Pharmacology, supervision of undergraduate projects and postgraduate students’ dissertations and thesis; Acting Head of Department, Pharmacology and Associate Dean of Students Affairs; Member, Hostel Maintenance Committee, Students Welfare committee, Medical Officer, Team Uniport; deputy Team Leader Team Uniport at WAUG in Kumasi, Ghana and Quaquadugo, Burkina Faso. He has also served as board chairman, UDPS Governing Board. In all these positions, he discharged his duties creditably. He has also led and managed professional bodies within and outside the shores of Nigeria.

It is a norm that human wants are insatiable and Sir Alabo Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill, is not a pretender to claim that he fully understands every problems facing his colleagues, but it is very important that someone who has plethora of knowledge and has experienced many of the pressures as staff and can identify with the thoughts and feelings of the challenges they undergo, to proffer palliative measures to cushion the effect.

“As a mentor, many persons are eager to know his strategies managing balanced situations wherein too many are calling to get their share of his professional advice and the effect on gender, work and family life. His response has been that he is so lucky to work with a multi-talented staff that prioritises effecting changes as well as unswerving loyalty to the Unique UNIPORT. These opportunities were created by friends and mentors with outstanding support and constructively overcoming challenges over the years.

His belief in the Unique UNIPORT as a transformative place that can assemble the future truth of the society we find ourselves in today is a lifetime privilege to make great changes.”

Anuna Linus Chukwuebuka, n supporting the foregoing views of Adokiye Georgewill stated: “I have known Prof Georgewill as a researcher, an administrator and an academic. He is a receiver of several awards for his meritorious selfless services to humanity, grants and fellowships in his area of expertise. He has travelled widely and participated in several conferences both locally and internationally, but still remains humble. Owunari has been a man of himself with strong moral conviction. He is a great replica of Heidegger’s ‘Dasein’ Being-qua-Being. He is approachable, he is ever ready to listen to people and an uncelebrated philanthropist who is ever ready to put smile on people’s face, despite his limited resources. A great advocate of utilitarianism and egalitarianism principles. A man of his word who stood his ground despite all odds. “Indeed, he is a blessing to any who have the opportunity to come across him. Politically, he is a blessing to mankind, especially Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC). Though in state opposition party, he always stood his ground, especially as being surrounded by many PDP ardent supporters in his place of primary assignment. At times, I got lost seeing the zeal with which he identifies himself with the opposition, even during “defection boom”. He is a symbol of APC in Rivers State and Uniport in particular. He is among the few APC ardent members I see in UNIPORT.

“A Man of great moral conviction who can never betray any that have trust in him, he hates betrayal. His sincere aspiration to lead the University of Port Harcourt as the next vice-chancellor was informed by his love for excellence in education. Having travelled to different universities across the globe, taking time to understand the workings of the university system, especially in Europe, he feel compelled/motivated with this wealth of experience to lead his alma mater, in partnership with all university staff and other stakeholders, which he saw as a way of giving back to the society, in appreciation of what UNIPORT has done for him.

“He strongly believes that university shall be technologically-driven, academically robust and physically alluring. As an alumnus, he is ever determined to improve/propel the institution to a first-class university that would be globally competitive, both in educational contents and pragmatic delivery of teaching, learning and research outcomes.

“He is a Christian with the Anglican Communion. A Knight of Order of St. Christopher, an emblem of Justice of Peace. He is a man of vivacious spirituality and apostolic agility. He devotes his time to work in God’s vineyard. As a Christian, he strongly believes that to actualise any worthwhile project, no matter the quantum of human assistance, the grace of God is highly inevitable.

“With this, I am very optimistic that he will bring the university standard to superlative level, thus making it enviable in the eyes of her sister universities. We feel privileged to identify with him. We strongly believe he will deliver, with our unflinching support.”

Multiple awards

1. Justice of Peace, 2002, by Dr Peter Odili, then governor of Rivers State.

2. Knighthood of St Christopher, Niger Delta Diocese of the Anglican Communion, 2008.

3. Kalabari Chieftaincy in the Abonnema Council of Chiefs, 2009.

4. Rotaract Club of Port Harcourt Township: Award of excellent service, 2015.

5. Rotaract Club of COE, St John's: Award of excellence in professional service, 2006.

6. St Clement’s Anglican Youth Fellowship, Degema: Patrons Shield for service to God and humanity, 2005.

7. Niger Delta Diocese, Anglican Communion: Service Award in recognition of service and show of love to the Diocese and the Bishop, an epistle written in the hearts of men 2010.

8. St Augustine’s Anglican Church, Abonnema: Distinguish Service Award for service to God and humanity 2013.

9. Association of Biochemistry/Chemistry Tech: Award of Patron for vast experience and benevolence service as a sign of confidence as a good leader 2019.

10. National Association of Biomedical Students: Award of Excellence for generosity, philanthropy, fatherly service and benevolence to students at large 2019.

11. Port Harcourt University Medical Students: Honours Roll 2019

12. Grand Nigerian Youth in Ghana: Honour as Patron 2019.

13. Nyemoni Grammar School Abonnema Old Boys 81 class: Commendation for professional achievements and doyen of prestigious class, 2019

14. Kalabari Kengema Ikia Ogbo of Abonnema: Award of Excellence as worthy medical icon of good service for contributions to the development of Abonnema community over the years 2012.

15. Port Harcourt Rotary Club: Conferment of Honorary membership for service to God and humanity, 2014.

16. International Institute of Professional Security: Best security supporting personality, South-south, 2014

17. The York City Choir Abonnema: Living Legend of Music Award for assistance and encouragement to choristers and the church of Christ, 2011.

18. Man ‘O’ War, University of Port Harcourt Command: Award of Excellence for remarkable contribution to humanity and the command, 2005.

19. Port Harcourt university medical association and Port Harcourt university medical graduates association: Distinguished alumnus award for inspiring and contributing to the sustenance of PUMSA and its alumni association, PUMGRADA, 2017.

20. Nigeria Red Cross: Special award as life member in recognition for contributions to the society and humanity, 2013.

21. National Union of Izon Ibe, Ijaw worldwide: Award of Excellence for contributions to the enhancement of education in Ijaw Nation, 2018.

22. National Union of Rivers State Students: Award of most student-friendly-lecturer, for unending quest to improve the lives of Nigerian youth through various educational support and empowerment 2019.

23. Youth Leadership Network of Nigeria: Certificate of recognition for Meritorious service, sterling leadership qualities and positive contributions to development, 2018.

24. St Mark’s Anglican Church, Alakahia: Macedonian Award, 2019.

25. League of African Development: Merit award of excellence for 2019 distinguished African Patriots service as African Patriotic Personality of the Year 2019, in recognition for outstanding patriotism, immense contribution to African quest for development, service to God, humanity and Africa 2019.

26. Snooker Section Senior Staff Club, University of Port Harcourt: Snooker merit award, 2018

27. Association of Nigeria Authors: Conferment of honorary membership of the association, 2018

28. Partum Awards recognising creative individuals and organisations creme de la creme awards: Award of excellence for sterling performance and contributions towards the development of UNIPORT, 2019.

29. Ghana-Nigeria Awards 2019: Impactful personality in health award for great achievements, effective leadership, passion for humanity and consistent efforts in being a positive role model to young people across the world 2019.

Conclusion

The fact remains that Prof Georgewill currently stands out as one of the most experienced leaders in UNIPORT today, with over 14 years of senior management experience, university governance and boardroom experience. I feel, with all sense of humility, that he is the most experienced leader currently and well-qualified to be appointed as the next Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt. In this regard, I expect the Governing Council of the University to do the needful at the appropriate time.

He’s happily married to Dr (Mrs) Udeme O Georgewill, a lecturer in the department of pharmacology. They are blessed with four children.

Finally, let me know your opinion to guide me in my next effort on this man who has redefined what humility is all about.

•Eze, a Port Harcourt-based Media Consultant, can be reached on: eitherezemediaconcept2020@gmail.com or 08022049770.

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