UNIPORT Governing Council Committee Meets VC on Revenue, Illegal Structures and Investments

The Governing Council Task Force on Revenue Review, Illegal Structures, Business Concerns and University Investment Reorganisation has interacted with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Prof. Chike Princewill, to provide updates on its assignment and seek clarification on key aspects of its mandate.

The interaction provided an opportunity for the Committee to present an overview of the work undertaken so far and engage the Vice-Chancellor on critical issues affecting his office and other university officers in relation to the task at hand.

A major focus of the meeting was the need for greater clarity on the visibility, information management and revenue-generating potential of the Single Portal administration policy of the 17th Governing Council.

The Committee emphasised the importance of an integrated fees payment system that would improve information flow, strengthen accountability and enhance the university’s revenue-generating capacity.

The Committee also highlighted the urgent need to digitalise bed-space allocation and payment processes.

It noted that a transparent and efficient digital system would improve the management of bed spaces, restore students’ confidence, promote transparency and ensure accountability, while enabling the university to analyse and harness the revenue potential of its accommodation facilities.

Another key area discussed was the enumeration and marking of illegal structures on university property.

The Committee disclosed that the process would commence as part of efforts to properly account for university assets, identify unauthorised structures and address issues relating to the use and abuse of university property.

The Committee also reviewed issues concerning the university’s business concerns and investments, with emphasis on the need to reorganise and reposition them for greater efficiency, sustainability and improved returns to the institution.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chike Princewill, commended the Committee for the work done so far and stressed the importance of approaching its assignment with diligence and a clear understanding of the university’s interests.

Prof. Princewill emphasised that the exercise should be guided by accurate data and proper documentation, noting that the university must have a clear understanding of its assets, revenue streams, business concerns and investment portfolio to enable Management and Council to make informed decisions.

The Vice-Chancellor also underscored the importance of digitalisation and effective information management, particularly in areas with significant revenue potential.

He encouraged the Committee to identify practical and sustainable solutions that would strengthen accountability, minimise leakages and improve the efficiency of the university’s operations.

On illegal structures, Prof. Princewill directed that the enumeration and marking exercise should be systematic and properly documented.

He stressed the need to establish the facts on the ground and ensure that subsequent actions are based on verifiable information.

The Vice-Chancellor further urged members of the Committee to work collaboratively and remain focused on the mandate assigned to them by the Governing Council, while ensuring that their recommendations are practical, sustainable and in the best interest of the university.

The interaction ended with a renewed commitment to advancing the Committee’s assignment and developing measures that would improve revenue generation.

The Committee was established by the Senator Mao Ohuabunwa-led Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt as part of efforts to review the institution’s revenue systems, address issues relating to illegal structures and business concerns, and reorganise Uniport Investments Limited for greater efficiency and sustainability.

The activities fall within the purview of the Governing Council as provided for in the University of Port Harcourt Act, Section 6, subsection 1, which confers superintendency over the university’s finances, property, policy and public relations on the Council.

The Task Force is chaired by Chief Hon. Kadilo Kabari, with membership drawn from the Council, Management and directorate components of the university administration.