“The fact remains that Prof. GEORGEWILL currently
stands out as one of the most experienced leaders in Uniport today and with
over 14 years of senior management experience, University governance and
boardroom experience, I feel with all sense of humility that Prof Georgewill is
the most experienced University leader currently and well qualified to be
elected as the next Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt if merit
still counts in our system” - EZE
Unique
Uniport's Future and Prof Georgewill: A Bird’s Eye Perspective by a Close
Observer
By
Eze Chukwuemeka Eze
Preamble
In my capacity as an author, a political analyst of
note, a renowned public opinion moulder and a respected social media
commentator, I have done series of books and articles on some leading political
leaders and political parties’ formation in Nigeria, but frankly speaking,
writing on the academia, particularly on a leading professor in the stature of
Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill, KSC, FRSB London, Professor of
Pharmacology and Toxicology, an erudite scholar, a revered and respected
administrator, an Author of repute with a lot of publications to his credit
described as an outstanding scholar; his vision and mission to turn one of the
greatest institutions in Nigeria, the University of Port Harcourt, situated in
Rivers State, Nigeria, to one of the most viable and leading institutions in
Africa, is an area very unfamiliar to me.
Attempting to make my task a bit frightening, Dr,
Clement Edet a renowned scholar introduced Prof. Georgewill in a text message
he sent to me as follows: “Prof
Georgewill simply makes things work with his direct, innovative and teamwork
approach. He is self-driven, impactful, thinks on his feet and has a knack for
results. His hallmarks are communication skills, dedication, scholarship, and
excellence”.
In my confused state of mind on how to go about this
unfamiliar task, David Rockwell’s quote came to my rescue, “Every project is an
opportunity to learn, to figure out problems and challenges, to invent and
reinvent” coupled with the following quotes by some Anonymous Authors, “We
don’t grow when things are easy; we grow when we face challenges.”, “Don’t
limit your challenges. Challenge your limits.”, “When life gets harder,
challenge yourself to be stronger.”. I unequivocally resolved to embark upon
this treatise based on these encouraging messages and the fact that challenges
like the above case is what make a strong minded person in my mould to accept
and embark upon this task of revealing to the world the history, challenges,
future of University of Port Harcourt as Professor Georgewill embarks upon the
journey of becoming the ninth Vice Chancellor of this great institution.
In making this attempt a bit clearer, my friend and
brother whom I graduated with from University of Calabar in Cross Rivers State
in the late 80s, a radical, fearless, Philosopher of a great repute, bold, who
prefers to thread where the Lions are afraid to operate, a no nonsense scholar,
Prof Andrew Efemini described, Professor Georgewill Owunari in the following
terms, “He is a respecter of Elders, colleagues, staff, and students. He is
conscious of the fact that the rights of staff and students must not be abused.
We can therefore expect a conscious effort by him to negotiate and reach
consensus with stakeholders on the way forward. Prof Georgewill has engaged in
self development within and outside Nigeria necessary for running a first class
university like University of Port Harcourt and I am convinced that Uniport
under his watch will surely benefit from his well articulated vision of a great
university. Perhaps the greatest quality he will bring to the table is his
respect for constituted authorities in the country. We can expect special
funding and projects to flow into Uniport from his goodwill and understanding
and support to the administration of President Buhari of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria.. With Professor Georgewill Owunari as Vice-Chancellor, we should expect
full expression of students without brutalization and victimization. I expect
him to have good working relationship with the Unions on campus”
In summary, with this clarity by Prof Efemini, the
major aim of this treatise therefore is to expose and present the vision and
capabilities or otherwise of Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill to actualize
his vision of making the University of Port Harcourt, not only the best
university in Nigeria, but one of the
leading universities in Africa.
Brief
History Of Uniport
The University of Port Harcourt, popularly referred
to as Unique Uniport, in Rivers State in the crude oil and gas-rich Niger Delta
region, was established in 1975 and officially accredited and/or recognized by
the National Universities Commission, Nigeria with enrollment range of
35,000-39,999 students. It is a coeducational higher education institution that
offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education
degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or
foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in
several areas of study. This 44 years old higher-education institution has a
selective admission policy based on entrance examinations and students' past
academic record and grades. The admission rate range is 0-10% making this
Nigerian higher education organization a most selective institution.
International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.
The University have produced different classes of
leaders in various fields most outstanding were the former President of
Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, the erstwhile Governor of Rivers State and the
incumbent Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the
incumbent Governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, Chief Timipre Silvia
erstwhile Governor of Bayelsa and incumbent Minister of State for Petroleum
Resources coupled with other thousands of leaders holding established offices
all over the world.
THE VICE CHANCELLORS OF UNIPORT FROM 1975 TILL DATE:
1. Professor
Clement Isong 1st Vice Chancellor from 1975 - 1982
2. Professor Sylvanus Cookey 2nd Vice Chancellor
from 1982 - 1989
3. Professor
Kelsy Harrison 3rd Vice Chancellor from 1989 - 1995
4. Professor
Theo Vincent 4th Vice Chancellor from
1995 - 2000
5. Professor
Nimi Dimkpa Briggs 5th Vice chancellor
from 2000 - 2005
6. Professor
Don Baridam 6th Vice Chancellor from 2005 - 2010
7. Professor Joseph Ajienka 7th Vice chancellor from
2010 - 2015
8. Professor Ndowa
E S Lale 8th Vice Chancellor from 2015 - 2020
9. 9th Vice
Chancellor from 2020 - 2025
Professor
Owunari Georgewill and His Academic Feats
Prof. Owunari A. Georgewill who hails from Abonnema,
Rivers State, graduated with an upper division second class honours Bachelor
from the prestigious University of Port Harcourt medical school in 1990 and
proceeded to do his housemanship at UPTH and NYSC at Edo state. He began
residency training in 1993 and was employed as Lecturer 2 in Pharmacology in 1994.
He also obtained a Masters degree in Pharmacology and became a Professor of
Pharmacology on May 4th, 2010. He also holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor
of Surgery, Master of Science in Pharmacology and a Doctorate of Medicine in
Pharmacology and Toxicology among other qualifications. He is a Professor of
Pharmacology, a researcher, an administrator and an academic.
Membership
of International Bodies:
He is a fellow at Royal Society of Biology, London;
Member of International Association of Medical Educators, USA; Member of
Society of Pediatric Oncologists, Italy; American Society of Neurochemistry;
West African Society of Pharmacology; Nigerian Medical Association; Specialist
Medical Doctors in Academia; Indian Society of Pharmacology; World Academy of
Science; Research in Medicine Society; National Cancer Investigation in UK;
World Health Workers without Borders; West African Society of Toxicology and a
fellow, Institute of Industrial Administrators.
He's also a friend to New York Academy of Medicine
and a Justice of Peace.
In 2015, he served as Honourable Commissioner of
Rivers state Commission of Enquiry. Currently a member of Editorial board of
Asian Pacific Journal.
His
Services To Uniport:
In 2010, he was appointed Dean of faculty of Basic
Medical Sciences, NDU.
In 2012, he was elected Deputy Provost of UNIPORT
Medical School.
In 2013, he was voted into Governing Council of
Uniport as Congregation Representative.
He has published a book "Reasoning in Drug
Biology," over 50 original articles in many journals, over 15 abstracts
and several research works which took him to many places including Harvard.
His
Motivation To Step In As The Next VC Of Uniport
With the tenure-ship of Prof. Ndowa Lale the
incumbent Vice Chancellor of the Institution coming to an end come June 2020,
The University Governing Council through the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of
Council will be expected to appoint and announce the new Vice Chancellor after
an interview of the candidates by April, 2020.
In consonance with the act establishing the
University of Port Harcourt 1979 No. 84 as amended, Section 1 subsection
8(1-2), the Vice Chancellor is responsible for the academic administrative and
financial affairs of the University.
And with the virtue of Prof Georgewill membership
for four years (2013-2017) of the governing council of Uniport, which is the
highest decision making body on governance of the university playing significant
role in the affairs of University and in addition to having served as member of
council, as Dean, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences of Niger Delta University
(2010-2011), as a Deputy Provost of the College of Health Sciences of Uniport
(2012-2015) as well as Associate Dean, Students Affairs (2000-2006) and acting
Head of Department of Pharmacology (2006-2008) coupled with all his other
services in all these positions stated above were in all modesty, exceptional
and the results well documented/
This enigma of our time has been trusted to serve
as; Finance and general purpose committee of council, campus security committee
of council, Appeals committee of council, Board of Cordec,/University Bottling
Company, Chairman/member of senate ad-hoc committees, chairman board of UDPS,
Chairman Post graduate verification committee, Member Board of the graduate
school.
Others are; Chairman Departmental Graduate Board,
Chairman/member of faculty boards, member of university senate since 2010,
member board of the college of health sciences Uniport and NDU, Chairman/member
of Nigeria University Commission accreditation terms to universities, resource
person to Nigerian Senate on Education summit, consultant to senate committee
on education, member of panel on Commonwealth scholarship plan of Federal
ministry of education, Honourable commissioner on Rivers State Commission of
Enquiry, experience in monitoring quality in higher educational institution and
so on.
I expect that these experiences will definitely come
in handy in ensuring that the quality of University of Port Harcourt as an
Ivory Tower of high repute is never compromised.
The fact remains that Prof. Owunari currently stands
out as one of the most experienced leaders in Uniport today and with over 14
years of senior management experience, University governance and boardroom
experience, I feel with all sense of humility that Prof Georgewill is the most
experienced University leader currently and well qualified to be elected as the
next Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt if merit still counts in
our system.
To strengthen the argument of Prof Georgewill capability
to lead Uniport to greater heights, Professor Sienye stated, “Prof Owunari is a
humble & erudite scholar with sanguine poise & stoic determination to
achieve. Achievement not necessarily for self but for humanity. His essence is
humanity, his zeal directed at actualizing his vision for humanity. Trusting
God to direct his path, he will launch Uniport on the tower of excellence in
Africa. God bless Uniport”.
Throwing more light on the person and personality of
Prof Georgewill, Comrade Kenson Ibialabo-Briggs the Author of 'A Journey into
the Creeks’ described Prof Georgewill thus, "He is a man much humble and
kindhearted. An encounter with him will let you know his nature and true
character. Very intelligent yet doesn't pride in his achievements. Be friends
all and his relationship cuts across status, levels and lines. He relates
freely with the poor as much as he does with the rich. To him, life is just a
passing phase and every opportunity given to you should be used to make living
better for others and the society. With Prof. at the helm of affairs in
Uniport, there will be massive turn around in the vacity's educational system.
He is a man with great vision and passion for the educational advancement of
the society"
Prof
Georgewill as a Great Philantrophist
Throwing more light on the philanthropic nature of
this great leader, Amasenibo (Deacon) Akie Opuene Hart the National President
of Mangrove Forest Conservation Society of Nigeria (MFCSN) described Prof
Georgewill thus, “The Colossus fondly called Owus: Prof.Owunari Abraham
Georgewill is a prodigious asset to humanity in his dedicated, result oriented
and progressive continuous contributions to poverty reduction, access to
Education and Employment. My Childhood friend now turned brother started his
selfless leadership activities right from Childhood and perfected it as an
Adult. He touched his community and local Government positively as he gave
food, shelter and medical care to the needy. At the State and Regional levels,
he rendered qualitative and quantitative exemplary leadership in being a
resource person to several inter- disciplinary and Intersectoral interventions.
He made tremendous pharmacaulogical contributions to
my internationally acclaimed work on Kalaibiama Post Impact and Mitigative
Studies that was sponsored by Global Greengrants of Tides foundation of The
United States of America, the Mangrove Action projects of USA and Bothends of
Netherlands. The Studies opened the eyes of the International Community to the
negative impacts of Oil and Gas exploration activities in the Niger Delta. Prof
Owunari did not stop at supporting my studies but also went further to bring
the plights of Oil and Gas host communities to the attention of academic
community and general public in his Inaugural lecture. His verifiable
contributions to local, National and International academic Community is well
documented which resulted in his being made a professor at a young age. He is a
man with the Midas touch that transforms stagnancy to a state of vibrant
activities. He has created several Oasis in the desert and can do it again and
again. He is accessible and God fearing and can repeat the Ugboma UPTH Miracle
at Uniport. It is not an accident that both of them are progressives , God
fearing and masses loving. I highly recommend him to turn around our citadel of
learning”.
Prof
Georegwill in the Minds of Great Nigerians:
1
“Prof. Georgewill has a track record of excellence
and integrity in his service to the university of Port Harcourt, in other
universities where he has worked; such is also the case when he worked for
Rivers State and our country Nigeria, in various capacities at various times.
His academic qualifications speak for him; he possesses international stature
to provide requisite leadership (academic and administrative) to University of
Port Harcourt. He has inspiring vision and sound strategy, as seen in his
manifesto, for setting and achieving targeted goals that would ensure
accelerated improvement in educational and research performance. His principle
of building today for the future would certainly steer our university to
greater development of right initiatives and priorities in a sustainable and
culturally robust manner, expected in a university in the twenty-first century
and beyond. His commitment to upholding the common good of all always and to
quality education would immensely benefit the university community, the people
of Rivers State, and Nigeria at large. With these, I think he can make a huge
positive impact in improving the reputation of University of Port Harcourt as a
choice university in Africa. I support his humble bid to serve University of
Port Harcourt as it's next Vice Chancellor for continued progress and
development of this prestigious, unique institution of higher learning” - Rev.
Fr. Justin C. Njiofor, PhD.
2.
“Prof is truly humble but never timid, never a dull
moment around him, he has time for everyone. For him everybody has something to
offer and should be treated as important. He is highly detribalized and accommodating.
He believes in getting views from people and harnessing them. He is a true
leader who identifies with both the high and the lowly. At this point in his
career, I wish him the best in his bid to become the 9th Vice Chancellor of the
University of Port Harcourt. Prof is as Unique as Uniport.
Georgewill represents Good will for the University
of Port Harcourt” - Chioma Obinuchi Wodu
3.
Briefly, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill is a
household name and true son of Rivers State. He is a Professor of Pharmacology.
He is synonymous with HUMILITY. He is an Administrator par excellence. He’s an
advocate of the oppressed, trustworthy, unassuming and a non nonsense man. He's
friendly to both the haves and the have nots. He is a always full of smiles but
mean when it comes to the real business. Being VC of any institution is not
enough or the only way to exploit the POTENTIALS in this man called Professor
A. O. Georgewill. It will be one of the good things to happen to the University
of Port Harcourt.- Sunday Adewusi,
4.
“Prof.
Georgwill Owunari, is the right man for the job for the office of the vice
Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt River state. He is kind, loving,
caring and brilliant. A detribalized individual and always interested in making
a mark for tomorrow. He gives regards to
everyone individual. He is a team player.
He is very vocal and pays attention to the down trodden. He fears God .He doesn't harbor grudges and
not postpone rebuke for correction” -. Nmecha, Staff of uniport
5
“The man Georgewill Owunari is the Abraham of our
generation, a pathfinder and has the mandate from God to lead his people out of
Idolatrous practices unto righteousness, great and living faith unto the
Lordship of our Saviour Jesus Christ. He is a fine gentle man, focused in life,
full of uncommon wisdom,knowledge,brilliance and intelligence. You are a man of
unspeakable integrity and unimaginable honour. An intellectual per excellence
and an Administrative Czar.- Dr H.O. Stanley
6.
“Professor Owunari A Georgewill is a Father, Mentor,
Role model and a Leader to me. Now here's a man an epitome of humility,
selflessly optimistic, hardworking and very gentle. A moment with you is worth
the experience. Your leadership style will really turn things around for good
in the Rivers state. Your always available when needed” – Tamuno-tonye G.
Wariboko
7.
“I make bold to say that Prof Owunari Georgewill is
my mentor. Homer, the ancient Greek poet described a mentor as a "Wise and
trusted counselor". This applies succinctly to Prof Georgewill who has
played a critical role in guiding the development and career growth of numerous
medical lecturer's especially in the field of Pharmacology in Nigeria. He takes
a special and personal interest in helping younger colleagues develop into successful
professionals. Prof gives advice, sharing his own experiences without forcing
decisions, encourages Independence and ultimately builds confidence. He will
definitely provide leadership academically and administratively to the
University of Port Harcourt if elected as the next Vice Chancellor of the
University” - Dr Chukwudi J Njoku
8.
“Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill is a
distinguished Scholar with outstanding academic and administrative records with
excellent interpersonal and team building skills and possess the ability to
build bridges between staff, students, other members of the University
Community and the University's stake holders including the state and local
Government in Rivers State. He has entrepreneurial drive and ability to attract
extrastutory founds and mobilise other resources for the development of the University
of Port Harcourt. He has the clear Vision for the further development of the
University of Port Harcourt and the realization of its Vision, Mission and
Strategic Goal's. He has the ability to provide word class academic and
administrative leadership for the University of Port Harcourt Community. He has
ICT skills and has demonstrate managerial ability to work with people of many
backgrounds, pull team together, manage complex system, and make tough decision
fairly . In addition importantly, he has the capacity to be the Next Vice
Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt” - Emmanuel Barima
9.
“When the news came that Prof Owunari Georgewil is
vying for the next VC of UNIPORT, I was overwhelmed with excitement because I
believe he's the right candidate for the job. His integrity, sincerity,
education and professional experiences and achievements, diligence to duties,
outspokenness, honesty and perseverance in ensuring the right things are done
and with all fairness; says it all. He has basically handled more
administrative positions as an erudite scholar. Even students tell the tale of
his show of love and compassion when he was the head of Students' affairs. I
strongly believe in his passion to bring a new UNIPORT which will help in
creating a positive impact on our dear RIVERS STATE. GOD grant you good success
in all your endeavours” -. Dr. Omiete Victoria Olulu-Briggs.
10.
“Professor Owunari Georgewill, is an ardent believer
in justice fairness and equity.
He is a man that gets things done, he loves people's
will to prevail over the desires of the select few, peaceful, willful, and
Graceful. The next UNIPORT VC endeared with this qualities is Professor Owunari
Georgewill” - Dr. Olaniyi Olatunji Nelson. Former Uniport Council Member
My
Apologies:
As much as I would have loved to reflect the over
two hundreds respondents who commented on why Prof Georgewill should be the
next Vice Chancellor of Uniport but it is not possible to achieve that in one
single article. But hopefully in my proposed book to be titled, "PROF
GEORGEWILL THE ENIGMATIC UNIPORT VICE CHANCELLOR AND HIS FEATS", I will
try to reflect all the comments so please find it wise in your golden heart to
forgive me I implore you all particularly those that I couldn't reflect their
views.
Seriously
Is Sir Alabo Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill Qualified To Become The Next Vice
Chancellor Of The Great Unique Uniport?
In my inability to answer this salient question,
Engr. Victor Adokiye Georgewill, MNSE Prof Georgewill’s twin brother came to my
aid and stated that, " Eze, my conviction and motivation to support Sir
Chief Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill in his quest to become the Vice
Chancellor of Uniport, stems from his strong belief in the transformative value
of education and research, and multiple contributions to Uniport and the
society, which has not been fully explored by past vice Chancellors. His motive
has always been to lead on developments that ensure continuous expansion of the
University to be a strong and successful arena of learning after long he is
gone. He understands that in an evolving academic arena like ours, working with
all and sundry without discrimination or segregation to help in the navigation
of the University through all unknowns, maintaining true missions and culture
from competitors, is a veritable tool that adds value. He knows the
implications of the challenges for higher education which requires thinking
beyond the present, willing to take risks to surmount the challenges and in
most cases, to sue for the enforcement of currently accepted standards with
future benefits. His negotiating power to benefit the university is second to
none.
Sir Alabo Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill, has a
career as an academic that rose through the rank and file. From teaching to the
demands of peer review and the myriad of time-consuming administrative duties
in the family, academic arena and society at large, continued his research and
will do more in a purely administrative position. Based on his past positions held
such as: Examination Officer in the Department of Pharmacology, supervision of
undergraduate projects and postgraduate students’ dissertations and thesis. He
has served as Acting Head of Department, Pharmacology and Associate Dean of
Students Affairs, Member, Hostel Maintenance Committee, Students welfare
committee, Medical Officer, Team Uniport, Deputy Team Leader Team Uniport at
WAUG in Kumasi, Ghana and Quaquadugo, Burkina Faso. He served as Board Chairman
UDPS Governing Board. In all these positions, he discharged his duties
creditably. He has also led and managed professional bodies within and outside
the shores of Nigeria.
It is a norm that human wants are insatiable and Sir
Alabo Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill, is not a pretender to claim that he
fully understands every problems facing his colleagues, but it is very
important that someone who has plethora of knowledge and has experienced many
of the pressures as staff and can identify with the thoughts and feelings of
the challenges they undergo, to proffer palliative measures to cushion the
effect.
As a mentor, many persons are eager to know his
strategies managing a balanced situations wherein too many are calling to get
their share of his professional advice and the effect on gender, work and
family life and his response has been that he is so lucky to work in a
multi-talented staff that prioritizes effecting changes as well as unswerving
loyalty to the Unique Uniport. These opportunities were created by friends and
mentors with outstanding support and constructively overcoming challenges over
the years. Being motivated by the feature and intense teaching and research and
the collaborative efforts of staff to practice the current application of
research outcomes, that yields the desired results.
His believe in the Unique Uniport as a
transformative place that can assemble the future truth of the society, we find
ourselves in today, is a lifetime privilege to make great changes in the Unique
Uniport".
ANUNA LINUS CHUKWUEBUKA B.Phil Rome supporting the
views of Engr. Victor Adokiye Georgewill on the issue of Prof Georgewill
becoming the next Vice Chancellor of Uniport, he stated, “I have known Prof.
Abraham Owunari Georgewill as a researcher, an administrator and an academic.
He is a receiver of several awards for his meritorious selfless services to
humanity, grants and fellowships in his area of expertise. He has travelled
widely and participated in several conferences both locally and internationally
but still remains humble. Prof. Georgewill Owunari has been a man of himself
with strong moral conviction. He is a great replica of Heidegger’s “Dasein”
Being-qua-Being. He is approachable (down to earth), he is ever ready to listen
to people and an uncelebrated philanthropist who is ever ready to put smile on
people’s face despite his limited resources. A great advocate of utilitarianism
and egalitarianism principles. A man of his word who stood his ground despite
all odds (political affiliation). Indeed he is a blessing to any who have the
opportunity to come across him. Politically, he is a blessing to mankind,
especially Rivers State APC. Though in State opposition party, he always stood his
ground (despite his political affiliation) especially as being surrounded by
many PDP ardent supporters in his place of primary assignment which can be
clearly envisaged in the last General Election. At times I got lost seeing the
zeal with which he identifies himself with the opposition even during
“defection boom”. He is a symbol of APC in Rivers State and UNIPORT in
particular. He is among the few APC ardent members I see in UNIPORT “A Man of
Great Moral Conviction” a man who can never betray any that have trust in him
(trustworthy). He hates betrayal. His sincere aspiration to lead the University
of Port Harcourt as the next Vice Chancellor was informed due to his love for
excellence in education. Having travelled to different universities across the
globe, taking time to understand the workings of the university system
especially in Europe, he feel compelled/motivated with this wealth of
experience to lead University of Port Harcourt (his Alma mater) in partnership
with all University staff and other stakeholders, which he saw as a way of
giving back to the society (Community Service) in appreciation of what Uniport
has done for him.
He strongly believes that University shall be
technologically driven, academically robust and physically alluring. As an
Alumnus, he is ever determined to improve/propel the institution to a
first-class university that would be globally competitive, both in educational
contents and pragmatic delivery of teaching, learning and research outcomes.
He is a Christian with Anglican Communion. A Knight
of Order of St. Christopher, an emblem of Justice of Peace. He is a man of
vivacious spirituality and apostolic agility. He devotes his time to work in
God’s vineyard. As a Christian, he strongly believes that to actualize any worthwhile
project, no matter the quantum of human assistance, the Grace of God is highly
inevitable. He always believes in Divine providence.
With this I am very optimistic that he will bring
the university standard to superlative level, thus making it enviable in the
eyes of her sister universities. We feel privileged to identify with him. We
strongly believe he will deliver with our unflinching supports”.
PROF GEORGEWILL AND HIS MULTIPLE LIST OF AWARDS
1. Justice of Peace 2002 by Sir Dr Peter Odili then
Governor of Rivers state
2. Conferment of Knighthood of St. Christopher,
Niger Delta Diocese of the Anglican Communion 2008
3. Conferment of Kalabari Chieftaincy in the
Abonnema Council of Chiefs 2009
4. Rotaract Club of Port Harcourt Township: Award of
Excellent service 2015
5. Rotaract Club of COE St. John's: Award of
Excellence in Professional service 2006
6. St. Clements Anglican Youth Fellowship Degema:
Patrons Shield for service to God and humanity 2005
7. Niger Delta Diocese Anglican Communion: Service
Award in recognition for service to the Diocese for show of love to the Diocese
and the Bishop, an epistle written in the hearts of men 2010
8. St. Augustine Anglican church Abonnema:
Distinguish Service Award for service to God and humanity 2013
9. Association of Biochemistry/Chemistry Tech :
Award of Patron for vast experience and benevolence service as a sign of
confidence as a good leader 2019
10. National Association of Biomedical Students:
Award of Excellence for Generosity, philanthropy, fatherly service and
benevolence to students at large 2019
11. Port Harcourt University Medical Students:
Honours Roll 2019
12. Grand Nigerian Youth in Ghana: Honour as Patron
2019
13. Nyemoni Grammar School Abonnema Old boys 81
class: Commendation for Professional Achievements and Doyen of Prestigious
class 2019
14. Kalabari Kengema Ikia Ogbo of Abonnema: Award of
Excellence as worthy medical icon of good service for contributions to the
development of Abonnema community over years 2012
15. Port Harcourt Rotary Club: Conferement of
Honourary membership for service to God and humanity 2014
16. International Institute of Professional
Security: Best security supporting Personality South South 2014
17. The York City Choir Abonnema: Living Legend of
Music Award for assistance and encouragement to choristers and the church of
Christ 2011
18. Man O War University of Port Harcourt Command:
Award of Excellence for remarkable contribution to humanity and the command 2005
19. Port Harcourt University medical association and
Port Harcourt University medical graduate association: Distinguished Alumnus award for inspiring and contributing
to the sustenance of PUMSA and its Alumni association PUMGRADA 2017
20. Nigeria Red Cross: special award as life member
in recognition for contributions to the society and humanity 2013
21. National Union of Izon Ibe IJAW worldwide: Award
of Excellence for contributions to the enhancement of education in IJAW Nation
2018
22. National Union of Rivers State students NURSS:
Award of most student friendly lecturer for unending quest to improve the lives
of Nigerian youth through various educational support and empowerment 2019
23. Youth leadership Network of Nigeria YNET : certificate
of recognition for MERITORIOUS service
sterling leadership qualities and positive contributions to development
2018
24. St. Mark Anglican church Alakahia: Macedonian
Award 2019
25. League of African Development LEADS: Merit Award
of Excellence for 2019 Distinguished African Patroits service as African
Patriotic Personality of the Year 2019 in recognition for outstanding
patriotism, immense contribution to African quest for development, MERITORIOUS
service to God and humanity and Africa 2019
26. Snooker Section Senior Staff Club University of
Port Harcourt: Snooker Merit Award 2018
27. Association of Nigeria Authors: conferement of
honorary membership of the association 2018
28. Partum Awards recognizing creative individuals
and organisations creme de la creme awards: award of excellence for sterling
performance and contributions towards the development of uniport 2019
29. Ghana Nigeria Awards 2019: Impactful personality
in Health award for great achievements, effective leadership, passion for
humanity and consistent efforts in being a positive role model to young people
across the world 2019
CONCLUSION
The fact remains that Prof. Owunari currently stands
out as one of the most experienced leaders in Uniport today and with over 14
years of senior management experience, University governance and boardroom
experience, I feel with all sense of humility that Prof Georgewill is the most
experienced University leader currently and well qualified to be appointed as
the next Vice Chancellor of University of Port Harcourt if merit still counts
in our system. In this regard, I expect the Governing Council of the University
to do the needful at the appropriate time.
He's a devout Christian and a chief in Abonnema and
happily married to Dr. (Mrs) Udeme O. Georgewill, a Lecturer in the department
of Pharmacology and blessed with four children.
Finally, it is now left to you the Reader to decide
if I have succeeded to do justice to this treatise or I have failed woefully.
Let me know your opinion to guide me in my next effort on this man who has
redefined what humility is all about. Thanks.
