Union of Campus Journalists - UCJ Uniport, Port Harcourt (2025)

03/03/2025

Impact of Earpods and Headsets on Our Hearing: A Wake-Up Call for Students and Young Adults

By Mary Chikamara

As the world marks World Hearing Day today, March 3rd, health experts are raising concerns about the increasing use of earpods and headsets among students and young adults. While these devices have become an essential part of daily life, studies show that excessive and improper use could lead to long-term hearing problems.

Many young people rely on earpods for music, gaming, online classes, and social interactions, often without realising the risks involved. Experts warn that prolonged exposure to loud sounds can damage delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), a condition that can be permanent.
Unlike other body cells, once these tiny hair-like structures are destroyed, they do not regenerate.

“Hearing loss is often gradual, so most people don’t realize the damage until it becomes severe,” said Dr. Thelma, an audiologist. “Many students increase the volume of their devices in noisy environments, not knowing that they are pushing their ears beyond safe limits.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the safe listening level is below 85 decibels (dB) for a maximum of eight hours per day. However, modern headsets can reach up to 100 dB or more, exposing users to dangerous levels of sound, especially when used for long periods.

There is a growing concern among students.
With online learning, many students now wear headsets for extended hours while studying. Others use them for gaming and entertainment, sometimes at dangerously high volumes. The tendency to raise the volume in noisy surroundings, such as public transport or school hostels, increases the risk of hearing loss.

Research shows that symptoms such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus), ear pain, and difficulty hearing conversations in noisy environments could be early signs of hearing damage. If ignored, these symptoms can progress to partial or

19/02/2025

11,868 UNIPORT Students Swears Matriculation Oath

- Stay Focused, Be Committed To Learning - Says UNIPORT VC

By:Mary Chikamara, Kubiat Bassey

As crowd of 11,868 matriculating new students dressed in colorful attires were seated in the new convocation arena to pledge their oath and mark the 46th matriculating ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt, UNIPORT was heavily crowded that movement to and fro was slow with presence of security and traffic warden.

Speaking to the students, the University of Port Harcourt, Vice-Chancellor Professor Owunari Georgewill, urged the newly admitted students to stay focused, live with purpose, gain knowledge, and develop their skills.

According to the VC, the University has earned it reputation of academic excellence owing to the institution achievements in research and entrepreneurship.

While also highlighting the institution's achievements and opportunities, he advised the students to stay committed to their studies, noting that UNIPORT has produced outstanding individuals who have made an impact both in Nigeria and globally including the notable former President of Nigeria, Dr. Ebele Goodluck.

"I encourage you all to stay focused and live purposefully. You are here at the prestigious University of Port Harcourt to learn, grow, and build your skills," he said.

Describing UNIPORT as one of Nigeria’s top universities, with excellent faculties and colleges, consistently ranked among the country's top ten institutions, the VC maintained that students need to be responsible members of the university community and uphold its values of integrity.

Speaking further during the matriculation ceremony, the VC told the matriculating students to shun bad practices.

“There are pitfalls you must avoid during your academic resolve in this university. Such pitfalls are not limited to Bad associations, examination malpractices, cultism, drug abuse and addiction, night clubs, and indecent dressing not only for the ladies but also for

18/02/2025

We wish all new students of the University of Port Harcourt a happy matriculation ceremony today. This significant milestone in your academic journey is proof of your hard work and determination, which will make UNIPORT proud.

As you pledge to be of good conduct during your stay as students, always remember to stay focused, work hard, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.

We wish you the very best in your studies and beyond. May this day mark the beginning of an exciting and fulfilling college experience for you.

Congratulations

14/02/2025

UCJ UNIPORT Executives Pay Courtesy Visit To Student Affairs Dean

By: UCJ UNIPORT

The 4th Executive Council of the Union of Campus Journalists, University of Port Harcourt (UCJ UNIPORT) Chapter, on Thursday paid a working visit to the institution Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Chima Nwokocha.

This courtesy visit is part of the current leadership’s effort to seek the continuous support of the University stakeholders and alumni of the union in promoting the ideals of responsible journalism.

Speaking to the Executives, the Dean charged the union’s new Executives to continue to prioritize evidence-based reporting like their predecessors.

Appreciating the University Management for the support over the years, Vice President Administration, Ibarakunye Peace, also celebrated the Dean who his role in ensuring freedom of the Press on campus.

Reacting, the Dean who expressed disappointment in the activities of past administration for not reporting, said the University environment is the best place to nurture good writers and future journalists.

He however encouraged the union to write better stories that reflects the essence of Campus Journalism and to always be the voice of the unheard.

“The university as a conducive environment for practicing student journalism, there are stories everywhere, the students need to know more about what is going on in the school.” he added.

The Union of Campus Journalists, UCJ UNIPORT, is an independent student media in the University of Port Harcourt, established to foster effective communication between students and the Management.

Also, the union assured improvement in the shortcomings of the past administration.

The visit ended with a group photograph with the Dean and Vice President Administration, Ibarakunye Peace Francis alongside the Secretary General, Nze Divine Ijeoma, the Public Relations Officer, Kubiat Bassey and the Ex- Officio member, Ebenezer Paul.

10/02/2025

46th Matriculation:UNIPORT releases official schedule.

By Mary Chikamara

The university of Porthacourt has scheduled it's 46th Matriculation Ceremony for Tuesday , 18th February 2025, at 10:00am at the New Convocation Arena, University Park.

This was disclosed in a memorandum signed by Mr Goodnews Ijah, Director of Academic Affairs on behalf of the registrar on February 4th, 2025.

The memorandum reads, "This is to inform all first-year student that the 46th Matriculation Ceremony of the University has been scheduled to hold on Tuesday , 18th
February 2025, 10:00 Am at the New Convocation Arena, University Park.

The statement direct first year students to be seated by 8:30Am, and should print, and submit the Matriculation Pledge after the ceremony. It also warns that photography inside the Arena is prohibited.

Students are also informed that the collection of gowns begins today the 10th of February and the gowns should be returned by Friday, 28th February 2025 with no extra payment required. Part-time student are advised to contact college Secretary, CCE for thier gown collection.
A hand written note from the Dean Student Affairs urged all first-year student to take note.

The Matriculation Ceremony mark the official welcome of New students into the University.

06/02/2025

Mary Chikamara Takes Oath as UCJ UNIPORT President, Promises Transformative Leadership

By, UCJ UNIPORT

The Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ), University of Port Harcourt, officially inaugurated its newly elected executives on February 5, 2035, at the Faculty of Humanities. The event, which began at 3:00 PM, was presided over by the Electoral Committee Chairman, Paul Ebenezer.

The ceremony was attended by past executives, including the outgoing president, Bibi Victoria, and the outgoing secretary, as well as the union’s staff adviser and other distinguished guests.

Highlight of the event was the swearing-in of the new executives, who will steer the affairs of UCJ for the next tenure. The newly inaugurated executives are:

President
Mary Chikamara

Vice President
Nze Divine Chioma

Vice President (Administration)
Peace Francis

Vice President (Editorial) Ifeyinwa Susan

Following the swearing-in, the outgoing president, Bibi Victoria, delivered a farewell speech, reflecting on the challenges, successes, and milestones of her tenure. She emphasized teamwork, integrity, and responsible journalism as key principles of leadership. Urging the new executives to uphold unity and innovation while maintaining the values of campus journalism.

"Leadership is not about positions or titles; it is about service. It is about recognizing the weight of responsibility that comes with the privilege of being a voice for the voiceless and a beacon of light in moments of uncertainty," she said.

After formally dissolving the Electoral Committee, the newly inaugurated president, Mary Chikamara, encourage me members of her executive council to serve with dedication and unity, seek guidance from mentors, and ensure that UCJ UNIPORT continues to amplify the students' voices while upholding ethical journalism.

The new UCJ UNIPORT President assured that her tenure will not only bring impact, it will contribute to the growth of the University at large.

“Leadership is never a one-man jou

27/10/2024

UNIPORT Publish First Batch List Amid NASU and SSANU Strike

The management of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) has officially released the first batch admission list for the 2024/2025 academic session. Prospective students are advised to visit the university's official website to check their admission status.

In a breaking development, the Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), has directed all members to begin a nationwide, indefinite strike starting from midnight on October 27, 2024.

The decision follows the federal government's failure to address the four months of withheld salaries owed to university staff.

This strike action is also capable of disrupting administrative and non-academic operations and affecting new admissions and other university activities on campus.

19/10/2024

UniPort swears in newly elected SUG executives

"I will address hostel welfare during my tenure" Rt. Hon. Harmony Lawrence.

by Ifeyinwa Susan

THE newly elected SUG executives of the 2024/2025 academic session were inaugurated and sworn-in on the 18th of October, 2024 to pilot the affairs of the Uniport students.

The inauguration/handover ceremony which took place at Uniport's CBN Center of Excellence saw the faces of twenty-one new executives who have successfully emerged winners from the recently concluded SUG election.

The ceremony was graced by the Vice chancellor, Prof Georgewill Owunari, the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Chima Wokocha, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Edum Sunday, outgone SUG executives, faculty and departmental executives.

The outgoing president, Okpara Azurindu Martins, had this to say during his speech, "I'm stepping down with my shoulders high even if nobody says that, I'll will say that I'm actually finishing strong."

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Georgewill Owunari, congratulated the outgoing president. He had this to say, "We know you're one of the best presidents we have had. As the Vice Chancellor, I'll always say you did a good job. At the appropriate time, the University will honour you."

Certificate of returns were presented by the former eleco chairman, Fred Forum, while the Dean of Student Affairs handed them over to the newly elected leaders in different capacities.

The newly sworn in president, Harmony Lawrence, during his innaugral speech stated that he will address hostel welfare, address student humiliation by hall representatives in various hostels and armed forces in the NDDC hostel. He also noted that graduate occupying hostel spaces will be dealt with, complaints will be channelled to the right sources, and also ensure that memos don't fly unnecessary like it has been the case.

"I hereby dissolve all standing committee." said Harmony Lawrence, new SUG president after his inauguration.

16/08/2024

*SERAP Opens Portal For Student Accountability Club*

By UCJ UNIPORT

THE Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project Accountability Student Club (SERAP-SAC) has opened its portal for 2024/2025 SERAP-Social Accountability Club recruitment.

The call is targeted at interested students from the University of Port Harcourt who are passionate about transparency and accountability.

SERAP-SAC is a nonprofit association under SERAP in over 58 universities across Nigeria. The club is focused on raising public awareness on transparency and calling for the accountability of office holders, anti-corruption laws and implementation for civic human rights for all.

Speaking on the registration process, the secretary of the club, Abraham Ike, disclosed that the registration is only open to students from 100 level to 300 level.

According to him, interested students are advised to visit SERAP Nigeria website or sign up using: https://bit.ly/SAC_Registration

15/08/2024

*UniPort Extends 2024/2025 Post-UTME Registration*

Paul Ebenezer

THE University of Port Harcourt has extended the registration period for the 2024/2025 Post-UTME screening exercise.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the University's Registrar, Mrs. Gloria O. Chindah, on August 14, 2024.

The statement reads: "This is to bring to the attention of all candidates who chose the University of Port Harcourt as their first choice in the ongoing 2024/2025 admission process that the university management has extended the registration for the 2024/2025 Post-UTME screening exercise by two weeks."

"By this extension, candidates are expected to apply within the registration period as the online link will be disabled at midnight on Friday, August 30, 2024."

10/08/2024

SUG Senate Sets Fire On Seat Of Deputy Senate President Over gross Misconduct, Approves New members for the Directorate of Information.

By UCJ UNIPORT

THE Student Union Government (SUG) Senate at the University of Port Harcourt has set-up a five man panel to investigate the removal of the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Faith Emmanuel over gross misconduct and implemented an Act of the Union Constitution to approve new directorates for Director of Information.

The 8th Senate made this known during its sixth sitting held on Wednesday, 7th of August at the institution Tetfund Building, where it presented matters of the Senate.

Addressing the 30 Senators, the Senate President expressed displeasure with the actions of the Deputy Senate President following a financial report on Legislative Expenditures during a recent Excursion to the National Assembly in Abuja.

Condemning the actions and absence of the Deputy Senate President from Senate proceedings, the session took a critical turn when the Senate called for the suspension and removal of the Deputy Senate President for the alleged misconduct and sabotage.

In response, a motion was moved by Sen. Kingsley Ugochukwu and seconded by Sen. John Solomon where they called for a panel to be set up and a suspension pending the investigation’s outcome, in line with Article 8.2 of the constitution. The motion received overwhelming support, with a two-thirds majority voting in favor.

The newly approved investigative panel consists of five senators, led by Sen. Onoyiwita Princess as Chairman and Sen. Success Godwin as Coordinator, along with three other members: Sen. Okwere Victor Sylvanus, Sen. Kelly Dan Oheto, and Sen. Obieh Prosper.

Meanwhile, Sen. Kingsley Ugochukwu and Bariyida Paul spearheaded another motion on approval for the Committee of the Director of Information. During the session, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Week Committee also presented a report on the recently concluded parliamentary week of Senators.

Similarly, the Senate President voiced his commendation of the Director of Information's service on campus but however said he was displeased over the participation of certain senators during the Week that ended.

The Senate President also emphasized the importance of attending parliamentary events. He thanked the faculty parliaments that actively participated at the parliamentary week and urged Senators to cultivate a good sense of belonging towards events organised for the benefit of the entire student body.

Before adjourning, the Senate President urged senators to contribute articles to the maiden edition of the Students Union Legislature Magazine, titled Legislature Gazette and announced that subsequent sittings would be held virtually to discuss the Students Union Week budget and other committee matters, stressing that attendance would be as strictly monitored as during physical sessions.

Appreciating the students for trusting in the Senate representation the Senate President said he is committed to ensure that decisions of the Senate continue to uplift the Union and students community.

"We pledge to maintain the highest standards in upholding the constitution and serving the best interests of the student body."

05/08/2024

SUG Senate Legislative Week: A Week of Increased Legislative Activity

• Highlights of the week included a visit to the National Assembly

By Bibi Victoria

THE primary duty of the legislature in any Government is the creation of laws and checkmating the Executive.

In the last couple of months, the Senator Golden Okey-Nwala led Senate has been doing this and many more to the benefit of the 8th Senate and by extension, all students of the University of Port Harcourt.

The SUG Legislative Week ran from Monday, July 15 to Sunday, July 21, 2024 The week began with a visit to the chambers of the National Assembly in Abuja, where his delegation was well received and acknowledged by principal officers of the National Assembly.

While at the National Assembly, senators and Faculty parliamentarians from the University of Port Harcourt had the opportunity to observe plenary sessions in Nigeria's highest-making legislative body.

They were exposed to the rudiments of law making, legislative procedure, legislative writing and code of conduct during plenary.

Upon their return, the Senate held a rally on Monday, July 15. In an interview with Senator Kelly, the in-house committee chairman on information, she said the rally which took the team to various places on campus, was to create awareness on the activities of the 8th Senate.

A football match was held the following day, on Tuesday, July 16. The recreational activity afforded the legislators an opportunity to unwind and bond with their colleagues from various constituents across faculties.

The Okey-Nwala led senate after taking a day of rest, were at it again on Thursday, July 17 with a Tech Workshop entitled "Getting Into Tech."

Giving an insight into the final round of activities to climax the legislative week, Senator Kelly said, "We attended the picnic at Xela Arena in Alakahia, where students came out to have fun, play games, and relax. We made new friends and reconnected with one another.

"In everything we do, we give thanks to God. As such, the Senate held their thanksgiving service at Our Saviours Chapel, to show our appreciation to God for granting us a successful week of activity."

Speaking on the benefits of the week, the lawmaker representing the SSLT at the 8th Senate said, "The week impacted me a lot. During our Legislative Symposium, we talked a lot about the International Parliamentary Union (IPU), and we also talked about things happening currently in our State and how they can be remedied.

"We also had a tech workshop the next day which gave me an insight into tech. As a female lawmaker and as my faculty speaker, I influenced my parliamentarians to come out in their numbers to partake fully in the week."

Also speaking, the Senate Committee Chairman on Information, Senator Kelly added, "The Legislative week impacted me in so many ways because normally, we do all our discussions through sitting and all being done on the shores of the University of Port Harcourt but it gave me so much insight into visiting places I would never have thought I can visit.

"Being recognized as a lady who attended the plenary sitting of important men in the country gave me a confidence boost and also showed me networking in ways I can’t imagine myself doing.

"As a female lawmaker,
I tend to participate in lawmaking not only among us Senators but also in my faculty and department.
It gave me a higher boost of sitting amongst men in making decisions all around me to impact students at large."

Other Senators who also spoke to UCJ UNIPORT lauded the Senate President for fulfilling his promises and giving all the opportunity to add to their knowledge, and further network and unwind.

It is hoped that the visit to the National Assembly and all other activities for the Parliamentary Week will reflect in the way the 8th Senate will be run going forward, with impactful bills passed to the benefit of every student of the University of Port Harcourt.

Uniport

02/08/2024

Social Science Faculty Hosts First Business Conference

Goodnews Blessing

Faculty of Social Science, University of Port Harcourt, on the 31st of July ,2024, organized a one-day student conference called the "Business and Life Conference."

The conference was hosted in order to improve undergraduate students' businesses and entrepreneurship skills.

Speaking during the event, the host, Victor Chinedu said that the event is tagged 'Business and Life Conference' to boost the possibilities and instill the consciousness of business growth in student entrepreneurs.

The guest speakers, Irvin Suave, Happiness Amadi and Peter Onyagbodor shared their life experience and principles on how to grow the visibility of one's business.

Other dignitaries at the event from the faculty executives included the Faculty President Sen. Christopher Barilubari Victor,Vice President Hon. Sabrina Suleman, Emeritus President Comr. Malik Godwin Emeritus, Director of Socials Comr Barikopoa Madu of the Faculty of Social Science amongst others.

The Faculty President, Christopher appreciated the students and every other person who attended the conference.

Uniport

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