The newly inaugurated Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof Princewill Chike, has issued a stern warning to staff and students against cultism, sexual harassment, financial misconduct and campus unrest, declaring zero tolerance for vices that could damage the institution's reputation.

Chike delivered the warning in his inaugural speech after his predecessor, Prof Owunari Georgewill, formally handed over to him as the tenth Vice Chancellor of the university at a ceremony in Port Harcourt on Monday.

"If you're a cultist, leave that cult group immediately. If you have been misappropriating University of Port Harcourt funds, please stop immediately; we will not tolerate it. The governing council is watching. The President who brought me here is also watching," he said.

He also addressed sexual misconduct directly. "If you are sexually harassing girls, stop it. I'm saying it here now so that heaven and earth will hear that I said," Chike warned.

The new Vice Chancellor urged students and unions to channel grievances through dialogue rather than disruption, offering his personal contact lines as a direct channel for resolving issues before they escalate.

"For students, no riots, please. Same thing for ASUU, NASUU, and so on. If there are any issues, call me; we will resolve them," he said.

Chike unveiled an eight point strategic agenda covering academic excellence and quality assurance, research and innovation, knowledge translation, digital transformation, ICT driven governance, institutional harmony, and inclusive leadership.

The Pro Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, who presided over the handover, commended outgoing Vice Chancellor Georgewill for ensuring a seamless transition and described the occasion as historic.

"It has never happened like this in the 50 years of the University of Port Harcourt. The Vice Chancellor is taking off on a very smooth, sound ground," Ohuabunwa said, pledging the council's full support to the incoming administration.

In his valedictory remarks, Georgewill thanked the university community for their cooperation across his five year tenure and urged his successor to consolidate on the achievements recorded during his administration.