The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has donated N350 million to the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) and pledged to allocate land in Abuja for the establishment of the university’s Centre for Leadership and Political Studies.
Wike made the promise on Monday when UNIPORT’s Governing Council, led by its Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.
The council sought Wike’s support in setting up the leadership centre, modeled after the John F. Kennedy Leadership Center in the United States. Ohuabunwa also disclosed that the centre, once established, would include a “Wikematics Political Ideology” course, reflecting Wike’s political trajectory and impact.
In addition, the council requested support for the development of a well-equipped multimedia centre at the university’s Convocation Arena as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations.
Responding to the requests, Wike agreed to allocate land in Abuja for the proposed leadership centre but emphasized that he would not use FCT government funds to finance its construction.
He, however, pledged N350 million from his personal funds, alongside contributions from his wife and close associates, to support the multimedia centre project at UNIPORT.
“Government alone cannot do it. Those of us who graduated from the university and who God has helped should also support,” Wike stated.
“I cannot take FCT money and give it to you, no, but I will give you land to build your centre. My wife, my friends, and I will provide the money needed to build the multimedia centre you have asked for.”
Wike, who studied political science at UNIPORT before becoming a lawyer, described his donation as a way of giving back to his alma mater, which played a key role in shaping his career.
The meeting further highlighted Wike’s contributions to the university, including the construction of the Convocation Arena and the establishment of the Faculty of Law during his tenure as Minister of Education.
The Governing Council expressed gratitude for Wike’s generosity and commitment, stating that the minister’s legacy in education and leadership development would continue to impact future generations of UNIPORT students.
