Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill Appointed as Chairman of University of Port Harcourt Alumni Board of Trustees

In a momentous event that marks a new chapter for the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association, the organization officially inaugurated its Board of Trustees for the 2025–2029 term in a ceremony filled with hope and anticipation.

The event, held on Friday and attended by key alumni figures from across Nigeria and beyond—including the National Executive Council, Chapter Presidents, and distinguished alumni—was hailed by many as a historic milestone. It signals the association’s renewed commitment to making a meaningful impact both within the university and in society at large.

At the heart of the ceremony was the appointment of Prince Tonye T.J.T Princewill as the Board’s Chairman. Princewill, a well-respected politician and business leader, has been a dedicated supporter of UNIPORT for years. His leadership is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the association’s efforts toward development and societal contributions.

In his keynote address, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, the Association’s National President and a former minority whip in the Nigerian Senate, described the inauguration as a defining moment. “Today, we establish a Board that will serve as the moral compass, legal backbone, and strategic guardian of our association’s vision,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of shared leadership and collective responsibility.

The newly formed Board also includes notable figures such as Dr. Patterson Ogon, Hon. Anayo E. Nwonu, Mr. Samson Akpibere, Mr. Austin Okeze, and Ms. Chiadikobi Emmanuella-King. Senator Nwokocha praised their impressive credentials and expressed confidence that their appointment reflects the trust and respect they have earned within the alumni community.

Looking ahead, the association’s leadership unveiled four ambitious flagship projects aimed at fostering academic excellence, cultural preservation, economic development, and social enterprise:

1. A High Flyer Scheme and Premium Hostel to support outstanding students;
2. The establishment of a Library, Museum, and Alumni Hall of Fame;
3. A functional Agriculture Hub focusing on food production and entrepreneurship;
4. An Alumni Bakery and Bottled Water Plant to promote sustainability and local enterprise.

In his response, Prince Tonye Princewill expressed humility and a deep sense of duty. “We are here not to preside, but to serve,” he said, emphasizing the Board’s commitment to integrity, transparency, and collaboration. “Our goal is to work closely with the National Executive Committee to ensure that our initiatives align with the best interests of our alumni and the university,” he added.

Princewill also highlighted the importance of leading with compassion and acting with integrity, underscoring that every decision made should strengthen the foundation of the association for generations to come.

The ceremony concluded with a call for unity, excellence, and collective purpose among all alumni, signaling a fresh and promising era for the University of Port Harcourt Alumni Association. Members of the Board will serve a single four-year term, dedicated to driving positive change and fostering a sense of shared achievement.