The University of Port Harcourt has honoured its two overall best graduating students with a tree planting ceremony at the Institution's newly established Convocation Garden, marking an initiative designed to immortalise academic excellence and promote environmental sustainability.

The ceremony formed part of the activities for the University's 36th Combined Convocation Ceremony. The two honourees were Loveth Onyeagubor of the Department of Curriculum Studies and Educational Technology, who emerged as Overall Best Graduating Student for the 2023/2024 academic session with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.94, and Daniel Oyibo of the Department of Finance and Banking, who claimed the same honour for the 2024/2025 academic session with a CGPA of 4.82.

Vice Chancellor Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill described the initiative as a powerful representation of growth, achievement and the enduring impact of scholarship. He noted that the trees planted by the graduates would stand as living monuments to their dedication, resilience and academic accomplishments, serving as inspiration for future students.

Georgewill stated that universities must not only celebrate intellectual achievements but also create traditions that connect academic success with social responsibility and sustainable development. He explained that the Convocation Garden was conceived as a space where excellence would be preserved and remembered, allowing future generations of students to draw motivation from those who came before them.

The Vice Chancellor added that the tree planting initiative aligns with global efforts to promote environmental sustainability while building a culture of recognition for exceptional academic performance.

Members of the university community described the event as a reflection of the institution's determination to reward hard work, encourage scholarly distinction and foster values that extend beyond the classroom. Students and lecturers praised the academic records of Onyeagubor and Oyibo as evidence of discipline, perseverance and commitment to excellence.