PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — The newly appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Princewill Chike, has issued a stern warning against cultism, sexual harassment, and other vices, vowing to uphold discipline and maintain the institution’s academic standards.
Chike, who assumed office on Monday, made the declaration during his inaugural address to staff and students, where he outlined his vision for the university. He emphasized that his administration would not tolerate any form of misconduct that could tarnish the reputation of the institution or compromise the safety and well-being of students and staff.
“We must all work together to ensure that the University of Port Harcourt remains a citadel of learning, integrity, and discipline. Cultism, sexual harassment, and other forms of misconduct have no place in this institution,” Chike stated. “Anyone found culpable will face the full weight of the law and the university’s disciplinary measures.”
The new VC also expressed his commitment to improving academic standards, enhancing research output, and fostering a conducive learning environment. He called on students to focus on their studies and to shun any behaviour that could derail their academic progress or bring the university into disrepute.
Chike’s warning comes amid growing concerns about the prevalence of cultism and sexual harassment in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The University of Port Harcourt, one of the country’s leading universities, has faced challenges in these areas in the past, and the new VC’s tough stance is seen as a proactive move to address these issues head-on.
The university community has welcomed the VC’s declaration, with many expressing optimism that his administration will bring about positive change. Student leaders have pledged to cooperate with the new VC and to promote a culture of discipline and academic excellence on campus.
Chike also announced plans to strengthen the university’s security apparatus and to establish a feedback mechanism that would allow students and staff to report incidents of misconduct anonymously. He urged members of the university community to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The new VC’s appointment and his inaugural address signal a new chapter for the University of Port Harcourt, as it seeks to consolidate its position as a center of academic excellence and to address the challenges that have plagued it in recent years. For now, the university community is hopeful that the new administration will deliver on its promises and restore the institution’s pride and integrity.
