Port Harcourt, Rivers State – In a move set to redefine its trajectory, the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Alumni Association formally inaugurated its Board of Trustees for the 2025–2029 tenure on Friday, July 4, 2025. The landmark ceremony, hailed as historic by attendees, signals the Association’s renewed commitment to societal impact and institutional advancement.
The event drew a distinguished gathering, including members of the National Executive Council, Chapter Presidents, and alumni from across the globe, all eager to witness this pivotal moment in the Association’s evolution.
A Defining Moment for the Alumni Association
Senator Darlington Nwokocha, National President of the Alumni Association and former minority whip in the Nigerian Senate, delivered a powerful keynote address, emphasizing the significance of the day. “Today, we constitute a Board that will serve as the moral compass, legal backbone, and strategic guardian of our Association’s long-term vision,” Senator Nwokocha declared.
The newly inaugurated Board of Trustees is set to be led by Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill, a prominent politician, respected business leader, and long-standing supporter of the UNIPORT Alumni Association. Joining him on the esteemed Board are Dr. Patterson Ogon, Hon. Anayo E. Nwonu, Mr. Samson Akpibere, Mr. Austin Okeze, and Ms. Chiadikobi Emmanuella-King.
Senator Nwokocha lauded the impressive credentials of each Board member, highlighting that their ratification by Congress reflects the profound trust and credibility they command within the alumni community. “We will look to you for wise counsel, critical review, and strategic alignment as we embark on our vision to Reconnect, Reinvest, and Reposition the Uniport Alumni Association,” he added, outlining the high expectations placed on the new leadership.
Flagship Projects to Drive Development
Further underscoring the Association’s ambitious plans, Senator Nwokocha unveiled four flagship projects designed to accelerate its developmental agenda in the coming years:
- High Flyer Scheme and Premium Hostel: Aimed at fostering academic excellence among students.
- Establishment of a Library, Museum, and Alumni Hall of Fame: To preserve heritage and celebrate achievements.
- A Functional Agric Hub: Focused on promoting food production and entrepreneurial opportunities.
- An Alumni Bakery and Bottled Water Plant: Initiated as social enterprises to ensure sustainability.
A Pledge of Service and Integrity
In his acceptance speech on behalf of the Board, Chairman Prince Tonye Princewill conveyed a deep sense of humility and responsibility. “We are here not to preside, but to serve; to serve as stewards of integrity, guardians of trust, and partners in the progressive transformation of this association,” Princewill affirmed.
He stressed the Board’s unwavering commitment to working in close partnership with the National Executive Committee. This collaboration, he noted, will ensure seamless alignment, uncompromised transparency, and robust accountability in the execution of the Association’s strategic goals.
Princewill concluded by emphasizing a deeper obligation beyond constitutional mandates: “to lead with compassion, to act with integrity, and to ensure that every decision we take strengthens the foundation of this association for future generations.”
The inauguration ceremony concluded with a resounding call for unity, excellence, and a shared purpose among all alumni. With this new leadership, the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association is poised to embark on what many stakeholders are already calling a new era of relevance and significant impact. The members of the board will serve a single term of four years.
Some notable alumni include: Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Former Governor Nyesom Wike, Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Governor Alex Otti too who is also the immediate past BOT Chairman.
Hon. Anayo Nwonu, BOT Member; Mr. Austin Okeze BOT Member; Ms. Phil Okoroafor, Secretary General UNIPORT Alumni Association; Senator Darlington Nwokocha, National President UNIPORT Alumni Association; Prince Tonye T.J.T. Princewill, Chairman Board of Trustees UNIPORT Alumni Association; Sir Paul Abbey, COS to the National President.
