RismadarVoice Reporters
June 4, 2026
The Governing Council of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has appointed Professor Princewill A. Chike as the institution’s 10th Vice-Chancellor.
The appointment marks a new phase in the leadership of the federal university, one of Nigeria’s foremost higher institutions, with stakeholders expressing optimism about the institution’s future under his administration.
Prof. Chike, a Professor of Human Physiology and former Rivers State Commissioner for Health, brings decades of experience in academia, healthcare administration and public service to the position.
Before his appointment, he served as Chairman of the Governing Council of Rivers State University and Chairman of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), where he oversaw initiatives aimed at expanding access to healthcare services in the state.
A long-serving academic at the University of Port Harcourt, Chike has made notable contributions to medical education and research, particularly in the areas of public health, physiology and healthcare interventions. His scholarly work includes studies on disease management, drug-induced toxicities and healthcare outcomes in resource-limited settings.
He also played a role in documenting and supporting Rivers State’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic through epidemiological research and public health interventions.
Between 2017 and 2021, Chike served as Rivers State Commissioner for Health under the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike. During his tenure, the state undertook major healthcare projects, including the expansion of specialist medical facilities, upgrades of public hospitals and improvements in diagnostic and healthcare delivery services.
He previously served as Chairman of the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, where he was involved in efforts to strengthen primary healthcare services across the state.
Members of the university community have welcomed the appointment, describing it as a strategic decision based on Prof. Chike’s experience in institutional management, policy implementation and human capital development.
As Vice-Chancellor, he is expected to provide leadership in advancing research, improving academic standards, enhancing staff and student welfare, expanding infrastructure and strengthening partnerships with local and international institutions.
Founded in 1975, the University of Port Harcourt is one of Nigeria’s leading federal universities, known for its contributions to teaching, research and community service.
Prof. Chike succeeds the outgoing administration at a time when universities across the country are seeking to improve global rankings, research output and institutional sustainability. His appointment is expected to take effect in accordance with the university’s governing regulations.
