The Ministry of Regional Development has donated new laboratory and engineering equipment to the University of Port Harcourt in Rivers State to enhance its research and learning capabilities. The Hon. Minister of Regional Development, Dr. Abubakar Momoh, said the equipment would provide students and researchers with hands-on training opportunities, foster innovation, and contribute to ground breaking research.
The handover ceremony was held on Friday, 6 March 2026, at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, with representatives of the Ministry and university officials in attendance. The donation aims to promote academic excellence and innovation.
The Minister, represented by the Director of Environmental Management in the Ministry of Regional Development, Engr. Fredrick Odika, said, “We are committed to supporting institutions of higher learning in Nigeria, and this donation is a demonstration of our commitment to promoting academic excellence.
“We appreciate the partnership that made this possible and look forward to the discoveries to come as we embark on this new chapter. We recognise the importance of collaboration and investment in our educational infrastructure. This laboratory equipment represents a commitment to excellence in education and research,” he stated.
He appealed to the students and faculty to make the most of the resource, saying, “Let it inspire curiosity, drive innovation, and push boundaries. The possibilities are endless, and we expect great things from the University of Port Harcourt.”
Responding, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor O.A. Georgewill, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Regional Development, saying, “The entire management and staff of the University of Port Harcourt are thrilled to receive this donation, which will significantly enhance our research and learning capabilities. We are grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Hon. Minister of Regional Development, Dr. Abubakar Momoh; the Minister of State, Uba Maigari Ahmed; and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, for their unwavering support.”
The VC said the equipment would have cost the university millions of naira if not for the ministry’s intervention, adding that it would greatly benefit the Faculty of Engineering, particularly the Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Commenting, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor T.A. Briggs, said the equipment would enhance research and academic programmes, saying, “We are grateful for this donation, which will aid our accreditation process and improve our research capabilities. The equipment will enable our students to conduct cutting-edge research and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.”
Also speaking, the Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, Dr. Chioma Awodiji, promised to take good care of the equipment, saying, “We will ensure that the equipment is used effectively and maintained properly. This donation is a game-changer for our department, and we are excited to explore the possibilities it presents.”
Signed
Sani Datti
Head of Information and Public Relations
