UNIPORT: From University College to Leading Research Hub in Nigeria Since 1975

The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), a prestigious public research institution, is located in the Aluu and Choba communities of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Founded in 1975 as University College, Port Harcourt, it transitioned to full university status in 1977. Since its establishment, UNIPORT has grown into a major center for higher learning and research in Nigeria and Africa.

In 2015, UNIPORT earned a prestigious ranking as the sixth-best university in Africa and the top university in Nigeria, according to Times Higher Education. This accolade underscored the university’s commitment to academic excellence and impactful research. Further cementing its status as a leader in Nigerian higher education, the university welcomed a new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill, in July 2021, marking a new chapter in its leadership and vision.

Initially organized into six schools, the university adopted a faculty system in 1982 to accommodate its growing academic programs. Today, UNIPORT boasts 14 faculties, reflecting its comprehensive approach to education and research. These faculties offer a wide range of programs and have contributed significantly to UNIPORT's reputation as a leading institution in various fields of study.

Among the notable faculties are:

• Faculty of Humanities, which includes departments like English Studies, Theatre and Film Studies, and Philosophy, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
• Faculty of Social Sciences, home to disciplines such as Economics, Political and Administrative Studies, and Sociology, producing graduates who have contributed to national development.
• Faculty of Engineering, offering top-tier programs in Chemical, Petroleum, Civil, and Gas Engineering, is recognized for training engineers who shape the future of the energy and infrastructure sectors.
• Faculty of Clinical Sciences, which offers specialized programs in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Nursing, and Radiology, playing a pivotal role in healthcare education.
• Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, contributing to breakthroughs in pharmaceutical research and drug development.

The university also has the College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Management Sciences, and Faculty of Agriculture, which together offer diverse educational opportunities for students.

UNIPORT continues to invest in cutting-edge research and development, supported by its extensive library facilities. The Professor Donald Ekong Library Complex is one of the largest and most well-resourced university libraries in Nigeria, providing access to a wealth of academic materials and research tools for students and faculty.

In line with its commitment to innovation, UNIPORT recently accredited its Faculty of Communication and Media Studies in 2023, reflecting the university’s dedication to adapting to emerging academic disciplines and staying relevant in a fast-evolving global landscape.

As UNIPORT continues to evolve, it remains focused on expanding its academic offerings and enhancing its research capabilities. The university is not only committed to nurturing intellectual development but also ensuring that its students are equipped with the skills needed to tackle societal challenges. Its longstanding tradition of excellence in teaching, research, and community service positions UNIPORT as a critical player in the future of higher education in Nigeria and beyond.