FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, outlined his extensive contributions to the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Rivers State University, and the legal profession during UNIPORT’s 35th Combined Convocation and 50th Anniversary celebration in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
Reflecting on his time at UNIPORT, Wike credited the institution for providing the intellectual and moral foundation that shaped his career in politics and socio-economic spheres.
He urged alumni to give back to their alma mater, emphasizing that his own contributions stemmed from gratitude for the opportunities the university provided.
“I have always supported UNIPORT sacrificially, not out of convenience but as a commitment to giving back,” he said.
Wike detailed his contributions, noting that as Minister of State for Education, he established UNIPORT’s Faculty of Law and constructed a dedicated building for it.
He also built a separate facility for the Faculty of Social Sciences, previously housed with the Faculty of Humanities.
As Rivers State Governor, Wike responded to the university’s request for a modern convocation arena by building one to international standards.
His contributions extended to Rivers State University, where he studied law. As Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, he constructed a postgraduate hostel.
As Minister of State for Education, he secured ₦500 million through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for the university’s development.
During his tenure as governor, Wike completed infrastructure projects for the Faculties of Environmental and Management Sciences, built the Faculty of Law building, and constructed facilities for the College of Medical/Mechanical Sciences, a new Senate building, and the National Union of Rivers State Students’ building.
He also established campuses in Etche, Emuoha, and Ahoada, and developed clinical and pathology facilities, including student hostels, at the university’s Teaching Hospital.
In the legal sector, Wike highlighted his role in building the Rivers State branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and contributing to the NBA’s National Secretariat, earning Rivers State a named floor.
As governor, he introduced a judicial welfare program, ensuring retiring judges received fully furnished modern homes with Certificates of Occupancy and brand-new SUVs to enhance their mobility and service delivery.
Wike also constructed the Body of Benchers building in Abuja, which includes a hall named after Rivers State, and built hostels and a grand auditorium for the Law School in Yenagoa, Bayelsa.
He established a new Law School campus in Port Harcourt, which he described as superior to the Abuja headquarters.
As FCT Minister, Wike is overseeing the construction of an annex for the Body of Benchers, 10 bungalows for the Nigeria Law School in Bwari, a new Court of Appeal in Abuja, and residential housing for judges of the Court of Appeal, Federal High Court, and FCT High Court.
Wike emphasized that his goal in sharing these achievements was not self-promotion but to inspire others to contribute to their institutions and society.
“We must set an example for future generations to sustain this tradition of service,” he said, challenging UNIPORT’s notable alumni to reflect on their own contributions to the university that shaped their success.
NAN
