The University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has approved the promotion of 17 academic staff to the rank of professor and 13 others to readers, in what the institution described as recognition of excellence in teaching, research, and community service.
The university spokesperson, Sam Kpenu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Port Harcourt, noting that the promotions followed a rigorous and competitive assessment process.
According to him, the exercise reflected the university’s commitment to rewarding academic distinction across faculties and disciplines.
“The elevation reflects their outstanding contributions to teaching, research, and community service. No fewer than 17 staff members were promoted to professors, while 13 others attained the rank of readers,” the statement said.
A breakdown of the exercise showed that the Faculty of Science recorded the highest number of new professors with five promotions, followed by the College of Health Sciences with three.
The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences produced three new professors, while the Faculty of Agriculture recorded two. The Faculties of Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, and Engineering each had one promotion to professor.
For the reader cadre, the Faculty of Education led with five promotions, followed by the Faculty of Science with three. The Faculty of Engineering recorded two, while the Faculties of Health Sciences, Agriculture, and Social Sciences each produced one new reader.
The university said the development underscores its drive to strengthen academic capacity and maintain standards across its teaching and research programmes.