The new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Princewill Chike, has read the riot act to staff and students of the institution.

Chike vows that the University under his watch will not tolerate cultism, sexual harassment, and related vices that can tarnish the School’s image and reputation.

He handed down the warning in his speech shortly after his predecessor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, handed over to him as the 10th Vice Chancellor of UNIPORT at a brief but colourful ceremony in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Prof. Chike, at the ceremony, unveiled an eight-point strategic agenda aimed at strengthening academic excellence, institutional growth and discipline in the institution.

He also cautioned against unrest on campus emanating from students and various unions, urging that issues be resolved amicably.

“For students, no riots please. Same thing for ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities,  NASUU (Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and so on.

If there are any issues, call me; we will resolve it.  That’s why I read out my phone numbers.

“Students don’t cause trouble for me, unions don’t cause trouble for me. I’m ready to work with you as long as we are here together.

“I want the students of this university to think of novel visibilities. I hear, but I’ve not seen that some people are in a cult. As I’m speaking to you, if you’re a cultist, leave that cult group immediately.”

“If you have been pilfering money belonging to the University of Port Harcourt, if you have that annoying to steal, stop now because we will not tolerate it. The governing council is watching. The President who brought me here is also watching.”

“The other one is if you are sexually harassing girls (students), stop it. I’m saying it here now so that heaven and earth will hear that I said,” the VC warned.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Governing Council who presided over the handover ceremony,  Senator Mao Ohuabunwa,

commended the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Prof. Owunari Georgewill for ensuring a seamless transition.

Ohuabunwa assured the new VC of the council’s full support and urged him to hit the ground running.

He stated,””It has never happened like this in the 50 years of the University of Port Harrcourt.  The Vice Chancellor is taking off on a very smooth, sound ground. The first time a Vice Chancellor has come in through a seamless process. And I am told that this is the first time we are having an extended ceremonial congregation after a new Vice Chancellor has been appointed.

“As a council, we worked very closely with the immediate past Vice Chancellor, and I came to admire his deep faith and commitment, dedication to God. His relationship with the council is that of mutual respect.

“For Prof. Chike (the new VC), he is somebody I have known for many years, and he is a thoroughbred of this university like his predecessor. He knows everything about this university, and I know he will hit the ground running.

“I have no doubt in my mind that Chike is going to raise the bar from where he is taking over. We will give you all the support necessary to make you excel and succeed.”

In his valedictory speech, the immediate past VC. Prof. Owunari Georgewill thanked the University community for its support and cooperation throughout his five-year tenure

Georgewill advised his successor to consolidate on the achievements recorded during his administration.

Our correspondent, who covered the event, listed some of the strategic agenda items unveiled by the new VC, including academic excellence and quality assurance, research and innovation, and knowledge translation.

Others include digital transformation, Information Communication Technology-driven governance, institutional harmony, inclusive leadership, and more.