New UNIPORT VC vows zero tolerance for cultism, others

The new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill read the riot act on Wednesday, saying cultism and related vices would not be tolerated in the institution.

Also, he assured of the protection of lives and property within and outside the university environment, with specific reference to communities housing off-campus undergraduates through partnership with relevant security agencies to carry out regular patrols.

Georgewill stated this in his inaugural address titled, ‘A more prosperous university of Port Harcourt,’ as the 9th VC of the institution during a town hall meeting of the university on Wednesday.

Recall that some students of the institution have repeatedly complained of attacks by unknown persons in their residences outside the university and also indiscriminate arrests and harassment by security operatives.

To this effect, Prof. Georgewill said he will place a premium on security in the host communities where most of the university staff and students live.

“This administration will place a premium on the security of lives and property on campus and in the host communities where the majority of our staff and students live. This will be done through provision of regular security patrols, appointment of a substantive chief security officer as soon as possible, and regular surveillance and security meetings with chiefs, community development committees, divisional police officers, youth bodies and security agencies. This administration will have zero tolerance for cultism,” the vice-chancellor added.

He promised to improve teaching and learning performance in UNIPORT which according to him was the first mandate of the university, pointing out that members of staff who need further study will “get approval for study and pay.”

While thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for his appointment as 9th VC of UNIPORT, through the university’s governing council, he also thanked the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi for his encouragement and support to the university, assuring that he will work with the governing council and the senate to ensure the growth of the institution.

“I will run an all-inclusive administration that will leverage on the abundant human resources in this university. I will work as a team with all principal officers,” the VC said.

Source : PUNCH