The Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt has approved the appointment of Professor Princewill R. Chike as the 10th Vice Chancellor of the institution, with his tenure set to commence on 13 July 2026.

Chike, a former Rivers State Commissioner for Health during the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike, will succeed the outgoing Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, whose tenure elapses on the same date.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday and signed by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Dr Sam Kpenu.

According to the statement, the appointment was made by the 17th Governing Council following the successful conclusion of a selection process conducted in strict compliance with the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and the University of Port Harcourt Act.

"The process involved the constitution of a Search Team and a Joint Council Senate Selection Board, which carried out their responsibilities in accordance with the extant laws and regulations governing the appointment of Vice Chancellors in Nigerian universities," the statement read.

The Pro Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, congratulated Chike on his appointment and expressed confidence in his ability to provide visionary leadership for the continued growth and development of the university.

"Professor Princewill R. Chike is expected to formally assume office as the 10th Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt on 13 July 2026," the statement added.

Georgewill, who is the 9th Vice Chancellor of UNIPORT, will preside over his last convocation ceremony scheduled for Friday, 5 June and Saturday, 6 June 2026, before his exit from office.