PORT HARCOURT – July 22, 2025 – In a truly unprecedented move marking the University of Port Harcourt’s Golden Jubilee, the institution’s Alumni Association, led by its Board of Trustees Chairman, Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill, and National President, Distinguished Senator Darlington Nwokocha, held a landmark engagement with the University’s Student Union Government (SUG) on Tuesday at the CBN Centre of Excellence.
This gathering, held on Alumni Day as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations, was hailed by students as a historic first in the history of alumni-student relations, signaling a new era of collaboration and support.
Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill, a proud alumnus, underscored his deep connection to the university, remarking, “I wasn’t only a product of Uniport, I was a child of the University, so for him this was home.” He passionately urged students to cultivate focus and ambition, emphasizing the alumni body’s readiness to offer mentorship, scholarships, and job placements to serious and committed students. “We are watching for serious students. Help us find you, and we will support you,” he encouraged.
Senator Nwokocha echoed this sentiment, calling on students to prioritize their studies and prepare themselves to become impactful alumni. Reflecting on his personal journey, he shared, “We built our confidence from UniPort. This is where it all started.”
The National President seized the occasion to unveil the Association’s ambitious Legacy Projects – a bold three-year development initiative designed to uplift the university community and deepen alumni impact. These transformative projects include:
- The High Flyer Scheme: Premium accommodation designed for top-performing students.
- A University Library & Museum: Which will incorporate an Alumni Hall of Fame.
- An Agric Hub: Dedicated to greenhouse farming and modern food packaging.
- A Bakery and Bottled Water Plant: Aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and job creation within the university community.
Senator Nwokocha stressed that students are not merely beneficiaries of these projects but vital collaborators in shaping a future defined by excellence and opportunity at the university.
In response, Rt. Hon. Harmony Lawrence, the SUG President, lauded the unprecedented visit, describing it as a “historic show of interest and solidarity” from 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 expressed. The interactive session allowed for candid dialogue, with students posing direct questions and offering innovative ideas, which were met with supportive responses from the alumni leaders.
Bringing the session to a close, Phil Biobele Okoroafor, the National Secretary General, offered words of encouragement, urging 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,” she affirmed.
The engagement marked a significant highlight of the Alumni Day celebration, symbolizing a robust new bridge between the past and present members of the University community—a bridge founded on confidence, shared contribution, and a collective commitment to progress.
Following the event, and a brief inspection of the proposed alumni center site, the National President and his Executive Council were hosted by the Rivers Chapter President and her Exco at the residence of the Board of Trustees Chairman. The gathering included various key stakeholders from Rivers State and specially invited guests. The National President concluded his visit with a promise to return regularly and extend his hand of friendship to all members of the alumni family.
