Eze Celebrates UNIPORT Vice Chancellor, Prof OWUNARI GEORGEWILL as He Marks 3rd Anniversary in Office.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Member of APC Legacy Projects Media Team, and erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwumeka Eze has joined family, friends, associates and the entire University community to cling glasses in commemoration of the 3rd year anniversary of a friend and brother, Prof. Owunari Georgewill KSC, FIIA, FIHSC, FWASOT, DFCIHTMA, as Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt.
In a statement made available to the media Eze described the Vice Chancellor as a trailblazer, an extraordinary administrator, a vision carrier and a superlative performer who within the space of three years has reinvigorated the institution and placed it on a global map as a one of the models for Africa with its ranking as number one in Nigeria.
The three years in retrospect under Owunari can at best be said to be the bumper season for the University with loads of achievements spanning the academic and infrastructural sectors with a serious touch of renewed impetus for capacity building and development for the academia resulting into a harmonious student/management relationship.
He said it a fact incontestable that the emergence of the University of Port Harcourt (Uniport) as the best in the latest Nigerian Universities ranking is a laudable feat made possible by the sterling performance of Prof. Owunari Georgewill, who is leading an aggressive campaign for a multi-layer holistic reform through a carefully crafted action plan which implementation is yielding results to the pride of staff, students and the alumni community.
The APC Chief urged the VC to maintain the tempo and continually strive for excellence as he is wont with a new target to take the institution into the comity of best universities in Africa with a spot on the global cadre.
While wishing the VC many more groundbreaking achievements as he continues to hold sway, Eze commended the management team, staff and students for their support to the VC which he said contributed to the achievements being recorded within the period and urged them to strengthen their cooperation for the pursuit of a deeper, more mutually beneficial interests for the common good of the institution and society in general.
The party stalwart who described the achievement as a giant stride in the university’s ambitious pursuit of a pride of place in the global index under the leadership of Prof. Owunari Georgewill, reaffirmed his confidence in the university’s management team to transform the school into a model for other universities in Africa.
Noting that this achievement and numerous others within three years calls for celebration from people of goodwill across the board, the APC Chief said the Vice Chancellor and his team deserve some accolade for their determined efforts in ensuring that the university is strategically transformed to compete favourably with global counterparts, adding that the quality of leadership adopted in administering the institution has continued to pay off in very appreciable degrees.
He further commended the Vice Chancellor for placing utmost priority on the welfare, growth and development of staff of the institution in areas considered as fundamental to giving the required boost to their career and giving them worthwhile and enduring workplace experience.
The implementation of the modified career structure which brought to an end many years of stunted growth and career stagnation amongst staff of the institution, is a thoughtful initiative that is helping the university deliver on its mandate in teaching, learning, research, community service and entrepreneurship.
Some of the criteria for the uniRank selection include- being chartered, licensed or accredited by the appropriate Nigerian higher education-related organization offering at least three-year bachelor’s degrees or postgraduate master’s or doctoral degrees delivering courses predominantly in a traditional, non-distance education format.
UniRank aims to provide a non-academic League Table of the top Nigerian Universities and Colleges based on valid, unbiased and non-influenceable web metrics provided by independent web intelligence sources rather than data submitted by the Universities themselves.
For the University of Port Harcourt to dust notable institutions like UNN, UI, UNILAG, OAU etc all established many years ago is evident that the VC Prof Georgewill is not only a trailblazer but an extraordinary administrator with a massive degree of competence.
The fact remains that Prof OWUNARI GEORGEWILL is a living testimony to the Holy Bible as stated in
Proverbs 29:2 that tells us thus:
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.”
Prof. Owunari Georgewill exemplified the foregoing of a righteous man in leadership. Both the students, the academics, the non-academics and the host communities, even the general public are rejoicing under the administration of Georgewill in UniPort. Never has it been so in the annals of that ivory tower. Do you know why?
Because a Godly who understands the epistemology cum logic of university administration is the the saddle. Not only is he humane but also, has infectious humility. The Vice Chancellorship is just a stepping stone for him, for he has acquitted himself creditable!
BUT WHO IS THIS AMAZING VICE CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT
Prof 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.
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, and 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 society. He is a man with great vision and passion for the educational advancement of the society.”
Prof Owunari A. Georgewill, who hails from Abonnema, Rivers State, graduated with upper division second-class honours, from the University of Port Harcourt Medical School in 1990, and proceeded to do his horsemanship 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, researcher and administrator.
Services to UNIPORT
In 2010, he was appointed Dean, the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, at 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.
And by 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 was trusted to serve in the Finance and General Purpose Committee of the council, Campus Security Committee of the council, Appeals Committee of the 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, of Departmental Graduate Board; chairman/member of faculty boards; member of the University Senate since 2010; member, of Board of the College of Health Sciences, UNIPORT and NDU; chairman/member, of 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.
Membership of International Bodies
He is a fellow at the Royal Society of Biology, London; a Member of the International Association of Medical Educators, USA; a Member, the Society of Pediatric Oncologists, Italy; the American Society of Neurochemistry; the West African Society of Pharmacology; Nigerian Medical Association; the 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..
In 2015, he served as a commissioner, of the Rivers State Commission of Enquiry. Currently, he is a member of the editorial board of the Asian Pacific Journal.
Multiple Awards
Justice of Peace, 2002, by Dr Peter Odili, then governor of Rivers State.
Knighthood of St Christopher, Niger Delta Diocese of the Anglican Communion, 2008.
Kalabari Chieftaincy in the Abonnema Council of Chiefs, 2009.
Rotaract Club of Port Harcourt Township: Award of Excellent Service, 2015.
Rotaract Club of COE, St John’s: Award of excellence in professional service, 2006.
St Clement’s Anglican Youth Fellowship, Degema: Patrons Shield for service to God and humanity, 2005.
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.
St Augustine’s Anglican Church, Abonnema: Distinguish Service Award for service to God and humanity 2013.
Association of Biochemistry/Chemistry Tech: Award of Patron for vast experience and benevolence service as a sign of confidence as a good leader 2019.
National Association of Biomedical Students: Award of Excellence for generosity, philanthropy, fatherly service and benevolence to students at large 2019.
Port Harcourt University Medical Students: Honours Roll 2019
Grand Nigerian Youth in Ghana: Honour as Patron 2019.
Nyemoni Grammar School Abonnema Old Boys 81 class: Commendation for professional achievements and doyen of prestigious class, 2019
Kalabari Kengema Ikia Ogbo of Abonnema: Award of Excellence as a worthy medical icon of good service for contributions to the development of the Abonnema community over the years 2012.
Port Harcourt Rotary Club: Conferment of Honorary membership for service to God and humanity, 2014.
International Institute of Professional Security: Best security supporting personality, South-south, 2014
The York City Choir Abonnema: Living Legend of Music Award for assistance and encouragement to choristers and the church of Christ, 2011.
Man ‘O’ War, University of Port Harcourt Command: Award of Excellence for remarkable contribution to humanity and the command, 2005.
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.
Nigeria Red Cross: Special award as a life member in recognition for contributions to society and humanity, 2013.
National Union of Izon Ibe, Ijaw Worldwide: Award of Excellence for contributions to the enhancement of education in Ijaw Nation, 2018.
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.
Youth Leadership Network of Nigeria: Certificate of recognition for Meritorious service, sterling leadership qualities and positive contributions to development, 2018.
St Mark’s Anglican Church, Alakahia: Macedonian Award, 2019.
League of African Development: Merit award of excellence for 2019 distinguished African Patriots’ service as African Patriotic Personality of the Year 2019, in recognition of outstanding patriotism, immense contribution to the African quest for development, and service to God, humanity and Africa 2019.
Snooker Section Senior Staff Club, University of Port Harcourt: Snooker merit award, 2018
Association of Nigeria Authors: Conferment of honorary membership of the association, 2018
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.
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.
FURTHER FEATS BY PROF GEORGEWILL
Prof. Georgewill, while taking stock of the journey so far for UNIPORT under his headship, said the career structure he inherited on the assumption of office defectively restrained some staff of the institution from gaining career progression demoralized those affected.
According to the Professor of Pharmacology, “the career structure of this university has been in the backline for more than fifteen, sixteen years. The old structure was such that some staff didn’t have where to climb to. They get to a point where they’re stuck, with no career channel to progress on.
“We realised the challenge and said it was not good enough. We ensure that all necessary actions and decisions were taken and the varsity now has a new career structure which has well been approved, stimulating opportunities of growth for staff in various career pacts.”
Among other achievements since taking over a few years ago, the UNIPORT VC listed a weekly information update on the varsity, delivery of more infrastructures, a partnership agreement with foreign universities, global partnership on tackling climate change, improved cohesion among management, governing council, senate, staff and students, all of which, he said, has made running the school easier than it could have been.
Worthy of note is the addition of two new faculties to the list of programs offered by the university -the Faculty of Computing and the Faculty of Media and Communication Studies.
On the issue of climate change which poses danger to our world, the VC said the university is working with local and international partners to tackle the menace, including flood and other forms of natural disaster ravaging our planet and particularly, Nigeria.
CONCLUSION:
Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze who amongst others spearheaded the promotion and propagation for the appointment of Prof Georgewill expressed happiness that the Vice Chancellor have proved that he is a great and credible personality and asset to humanity.
Eze expresses sadness that his friend and schoolmate, late Prof Andrew Effemini who was appointed the Deputy Vice Chancellor to Prof Georgewill is not alive to witness what Prof Georgewill have turned the University to. I thank God that where ever he is he will be so happy that Prof Georgewill is living out their vision of making the university the best in Africa.
Eze commended Prof. Owunari for the very many feats recorded within the short period he has held sway as VC and tasked him not to relent in his efforts to break new grounds and give the institution a pride of place in the comity of varsities in Nigeria and beyond.
The party Chief called for more support from staff and students alike to enable the VC achieve more for the institution and Nigeria.
Ends
Signed
Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,
APC Chieftain, member of APC Legacy Projects Media Team & former National Publicity Secretary, nPDP
14 – 07 – 24