Latest News & Events from UPEC.

By Dr. Henry Wobo, Ag. Director, UNIPORT Entrepreneurship Centre Dear Esteemed Members of Staff, It gives me great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility to warmly welcome you all to the University of Port Harcourt Entrepreneurship Centre. I am honoured to assume the responsibility of serving as the Ag. Director of this important Centre, and I look forward to working closely with each and every one of you. I wish to begin by expressing my sincere appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor and Management of the University for the confidence reposed in me by entrusting me with this responsibility. I also appreciate the contributions of previous leadership and members of staff who have worked to establish and advance the vision of the Centre. As we begin this new chapter, I want to assure you that my leadership will be based on teamwork, inclusiveness, professionalism, innovation, accountability and mutual respect. I strongly believe that the success of the Entrepreneurship Centre cannot be achieved by one person. It requires the collective commitment, ideas, experience and dedication of all members of staff. The Entrepreneurship Centre has a strategic role to play in preparing our students and members of the University community for the realities of today's rapidly changing economy. Beyond academic knowledge, we must encourage creativity, innovation, enterprise development, problem-solving and the ability to identify and take advantage of emerging opportunities. Our Centre should therefore become a vibrant platform where ideas are transformed into viable businesses, skills are developed, innovations are nurtured and entrepreneurial opportunities are created. As a team, I believe we can strengthen our programmes and activities through entrepreneurship training, business incubation, mentorship, innovation, industry partnerships, capacity building, consultancy and other initiatives that can contribute meaningfully to the development of our students, the University and society. I also wish to emphasise that every member of staff matters. Your ideas, experience and contributions are valuable. My office will remain open to constructive suggestions and initiatives that can improve the effectiveness and visibility of the Centre. I encourage everyone to see themselves not merely as staff members, but as partners and stakeholders in building a Centre that we will all be proud of. As we move forward, I will encourage a culture of punctuality, commitment, transparency, collaboration and excellence. We must be prepared to embrace new ideas, adopt appropriate technologies and develop partnerships with government agencies, financial institutions, private-sector organisations, development partners, entrepreneurs and other relevant stakeholders. Our immediate task is to build a Centre that is dynamic, innovative, financially sustainable and nationally relevant, while maintaining the academic standards and values of the University of Port Harcourt. I therefore call on all members of staff to join me in this journey. Let us work together, communicate openly, support one another and focus on results. Where there are challenges, let us address them collectively. Where there are opportunities, let us seize them. And where there is room for improvement, let us be courageous enough to make the necessary changes. I am confident that with our collective efforts, the University of Port Harcourt Entrepreneurship Centre can become a leading centre for entrepreneurship development, innovation and enterprise creation in Nigeria and beyond. Once again, I warmly welcome you all. I look forward to a rewarding and productive working relationship with every member of staff. Together, let us build a Centre where ideas become enterprises, knowledge becomes value, and innovation creates opportunities. Thank you, and God bless you all. Dr. Henry Wobo Ag. Director University of Port Harcourt Entrepreneurship Centre

A New Chapter for Innovation at UniPort Earlier today, the Acting Director of Entrepreneurship, Dr. Henry Wobo, had the privilege of briefing the 10th Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor, Prof. Chike Princewill Rewhuamwhu Chike on the OPay Scholarship Programme and the Innovation Hub. It was an insightful engagement centred on empowering our students, fostering innovation, strengthening entrepreneurship, and creating meaningful opportunities that can positively shape the future of young people. This marks another important step towards building a stronger culture of innovation and entrepreneurship at UniPort.

The University of Port Harcourt Entrepreneurship Centre (UPEC) has held its inaugural team meeting, marking the commencement of a new phase of strategic action towards advancing entrepreneurship, innovation, skills development, and enterprise creation within the University community. The meeting, convened under the leadership of the Acting Director, Dr. Henry Wobo, featured a comprehensive presentation of the UPEC Blueprint, outlining the strategic direction, programmes, and key initiatives of the Centre. Presenting the Blueprint, the Acting Director highlighted a number of initiatives designed to build a stronger entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem within the University. These include the establishment of a Fashion Hub, which is envisaged to support the production of University convocation outfits while providing practical training opportunities across different aspects of fashion and garment production. The Hub is expected to be equipped with over 100 sewing machines to facilitate hands-on training and skills development. The Centre will also provide entrepreneurship advisory services at subsidised fees, while entrepreneurship and innovation competitions will be organised to encourage creativity, problem-solving, and enterprise development. The competitions will be open not only to students but also to staff of the University, creating an inclusive platform for innovative ideas across the University community. Other initiatives highlighted include the development of an Innovation Hub, which will provide a platform for innovation competitions and related activities; Start-up Weekends, where students will receive practical training, guidance, and support to develop and refine business ideas; and access to microfinance opportunities, through which eligible students enrolled in UPEC programmes may access loans at reduced interest rates to support their entrepreneurial ventures. The Blueprint also emphasises needs assessment, enabling the Centre to identify and respond to emerging needs and opportunities within the society, thereby ensuring that its programmes remain relevant, practical, and impact-driven. A structured programme framework will guide participants from enrolment to post-training support. Those who apply and successfully undergo the screening process will be enrolled and guided through orientation, skills training, practical sessions, mentorship, business plan preparation, and graduation, followed by post-training support and recommendations to further assist participants in pursuing their entrepreneurial goals. The Centre's sustainability model will also extend beyond funding from the University, with revenue generation expected through training fees, corporate sponsorships, certification programmes, facility rentals, consultancy services, research grants, and short professional courses. These avenues are designed to support the Centre's programmes and strengthen its capacity to deliver sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives. The Acting Director further noted the support and encouragement of the Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Chike Princewill, towards the growth and development of the Centre and the achievement of its objectives. The meeting also provided an opportunity for members of the UPEC team to align their efforts, exchange perspectives, and develop a shared understanding of the Centre's strategic direction and mandate. The Acting Director extended his special appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chike Princewill, and his distinguished mentors, Prof. C. C. Ofurum, Prof. G. I. Umoh, Prof. Alapiki, Prof. Solomon Egbe, the current Head of the Department of Accounting, and Prof. Ibanichukwu, for their guidance, support, mentorship, and contributions to his journey. He also expressed his profound gratitude to his parents, wife, and children for their unwavering support, encouragement, and invaluable role in his journey. With these initiatives, UPEC is positioning itself to create practical pathways for skills acquisition, innovation, entrepreneurship, enterprise development, and opportunity creation within the University community. The journey has begun. The vision is clear. The future is entrepreneurial. UPEC — Empowering Ideas. Inspiring Innovation. Creating Opportunities.

The University of Port Harcourt Entrepreneurship Centre (UPEC) today received a delegation from the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Bayelsa Medical University, led by its Director, Prof. Stephen Temegba Olali, on a familiarisation and working visit. The visit was aimed at providing an opportunity for the delegation to gain insight into UPEC's operational model, programmes and strategic approach to entrepreneurship development, while also exploring areas of mutual collaboration and knowledge exchange between both institutions. The delegation was received by the Acting Director of UPEC, Dr. H. O. Wobo, who engaged with the team on the Centre's activities, strategic direction and opportunities for institutional partnership. The visit marks a significant step towards strengthening inter-institutional relationships and fostering collaboration in entrepreneurship, innovation and enterprise development. UPEC appreciates the delegation from Bayelsa Medical University for the visit and looks forward to fruitful engagements and sustainable partnerships between both institutions.

The Acting Director of University of Port Harcourt Entrepreneurial Centre, Dr. Henry O. Wobo, represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Princewill R. Chike, as a keynote Speaker at the Bayelsa State World Entrepreneurship Day celebration organised by the Bayelsa State Government. The summit provided a strategic platform for advancing entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusive economic development in Bayelsa State, with particular emphasis on the Strategic Entrepreneurship Development Framework, "Building an Entrepreneurial Bayelsa." It seeks to move beyond conventional skills acquisition by promoting the development of competent entrepreneurs, sustainable enterprises and investment-ready ventures. It outlines a strategic progression from skills development and certification through dialogue, innovation and market access to financing and business growth, providing a structured pathway for transforming skills and ideas into viable and scalable enterprises. It also identifies significant opportunities across key sectors, including the blue economy, agriculture and agro-processing, energy and industrial services, creative and digital economy, tourism and hospitality, and green enterprises. A key focus of the summit was the importance of collaboration among government, universities, the private sector, financial institutions, development partners, communities and entrepreneurs in creating an enabling ecosystem that supports innovation, enterprise development, employment generation and sustainable wealth creation. At the heart of the initiative is the vision of a Bayelsa where skills become businesses, businesses become industries, and industries create sustainable wealth. This reflects a deliberate shift towards building an entrepreneurial ecosystem that empowers individuals to transform knowledge and skills into productive ventures while contributing meaningfully to the economic development of the state. The engagement marks a significant step towards strengthening entrepreneurship, fostering innovation and creating sustainable economic opportunities for the people of Bayelsa State.

The Entrepreneurial Centre, University of Port Harcourt, today received a delegation from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), led by Mrs. Maryam Mustapha, TETFund Representative from Abuja, on a familiarisation visit to the Centre. The delegation was received by the Acting Director of the Entrepreneurial Centre, Dr. Henry Wobo, who warmly welcomed the team and provided insights into the Centre's activities, programmes and ongoing initiatives. During the visit, the TETFund team also inspected previous supplies provided to the Centre, assessing the facilities and resources available to support the Centre's activities and programmes. The visit provided an opportunity for the TETFund team to familiarise themselves with the Centre's operations, facilities and ongoing activities, while engaging in meaningful discussions on entrepreneurship, innovation and capacity development. The Centre appreciates the TETFund delegation for the visit and looks forward to continued collaboration towards advancing entrepreneurship, innovation and capacity development at the University of Port Harcourt.

The University of Port Harcourt Entrepreneurial Centre (UPEC) today commenced a hands-on training on Liquid Soap Production for Sandwich Students under the University of Port Harcourt GES 400.2 Practical Projects programme. The training is designed to equip students with practical entrepreneurial skills and knowledge that can be translated into income-generating opportunities and sustainable business ventures.

The University of Port Harcourt Entrepreneurial Centre (UPEC), under the leadership of its Ag. Director, Dr. Henry Wobo, in collaboration with Rivers Women Unite for Tinubu (RIWUT), led by Chief Dr. Ashley Igbara, held an entrepreneurial skills acquisition programme today, 9 September 2026, aimed at promoting women's empowerment, enterprise development, and economic inclusion. The programme brought together women for practical learning and skills development, providing participants with relevant knowledge and competencies to support self-reliance, enterprise creation, and sustainable livelihoods. The event was graced by the Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Chike Princewill, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Chukwudi Ochi Onyeaso. In his remarks, Prof. Onyeaso conveyed the University's support for initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, practical skills development, and capacity building. He emphasised the importance of equipping individuals, particularly women, with relevant skills that can enhance their economic productivity and contribution to society. Speaking at the programme, the Ag. Director of the University of Port Harcourt Entrepreneurial Centre, Dr. Henry Wobo, congratulated RIWUT for organising the laudable initiative and emphasised that entrepreneurship goes beyond simply starting a business. According to him, entrepreneurship involves identifying opportunities, solving problems, creating value, and building sustainable enterprises. Dr. Wobo noted that skills acquisition should be complemented by innovation and creativity, financial literacy, digital competence, market knowledge, mentorship, and networking. He further highlighted the role of quality entrepreneurial training in transforming ideas into viable businesses, encouraging participants to learn, practise, and develop confidence in their abilities. He stressed that the knowledge gained should not end within the training environment but should translate into action, enterprise, and measurable impact in the community. He also highlighted the significant role women play in the economic and social development of their families and communities, noting that practical entrepreneurial skills can help women create sustainable livelihoods, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to economic development. Addressing the participants, Dr. Wobo encouraged them to believe in themselves and in the value of their ideas. He urged them to start small but think big, manage their resources wisely, embrace technology, build meaningful relationships, learn from setbacks, and remain persistent. He reminded the participants that a skill can become a business, a business can create jobs, and one woman's success can inspire another. The programme reflects the commitment of the University of Port Harcourt Entrepreneurial Centre to promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, practical skills acquisition, and capacity building, while fostering opportunities that enable individuals to develop their potential and contribute to sustainable economic development.