The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to allocate land within the FCT for the University of Port Harcourt’s proposed Centre for Leadership and Political Studies.
Wike made this commitment during a visit from the university’s Governing Council, led by Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa, on Monday in Abuja.
The promise came after Ohuabunwa requested the minister’s support for the establishment of the centre, which would be modeled after the John F. Kennedy Leadership Center in the United States. Ohuabunwa further proposed that the centre include a focus on “Wikematics Political Ideology,” reflecting Wike’s political journey and achievements.
Additionally, Ohuabunwa sought Wike’s assistance in establishing a multimedia centre at the university’s Convocation Arena to mark its 50th anniversary. He noted that Wike had played a significant role in the development of the Convocation Arena and the Faculty of Law, both of which were established during his tenure as governor of Rivers State and Minister of Education.
While agreeing to allocate land for the centre, Wike clarified that he would not use FCT funds for the project. However, he pledged to personally support the university with N350 million for the multimedia centre, sourcing the funds from his personal finances as well as contributions from his wife and friends.
Wike emphasized that this gesture was a way of giving back to the university, where he studied political science before pursuing a law career. He also encouraged the university to reach out to other alumni, particularly Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra, who is also a graduate.
Earlier in the visit, Ohuabunwa congratulated Wike on his appointment as FCT Minister and praised his exceptional performance in office.
He also shared that the university plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025, with a goal of raising a N10 billion endowment fund. Ohuabunwa noted that Wike would be among the distinguished alumni honored at the event for his significant contributions to the university’s development.
