Meet The New Vice- Chancellor Of The University Of Port Harcourt: Professor Chike Princewill Rewhuamwhu Chike
The University of Port Harcourt has ushered in a new era of leadership with the appointment of Professor Chike Princewill Rewhuamwhu Chike as its 10th Vice-Chancellor. A distinguished medical scholar, accomplished administrator, and seasoned public servant, Professor Chike brings decades of experience in academia, healthcare, research, and public service to the helm of one of Nigeria’s leading universities.
Born on June 28, 1964, in Kaduna State, Professor Chike hails from Eligbam Village in Rumueme Kingdom, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. His educational journey began at St. John State School, Rumueme, before proceeding to Birabi Memorial Grammar School, Bori, and later County Grammar School, Ikwerre/Etche.
Driven by a passion for medicine, he gained admission into the University of Port Harcourt in 1983. During his undergraduate years, he distinguished himself not only academically but also in sports, proudly representing the university in four editions of the Nigeria Universities Games (NUGA), where he won three medals in squash racket—two silver and one bronze.
Professor Chike earned a Bachelor of Medical Sciences (B.Med.Sc.) in Human Physiology in 1987, followed by Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 1991. He further obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Immunopharmacology in 2000 and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Cardiovascular Physiology/Medicine in 2007, all from the University of Port Harcourt.
A renowned Professor of Cardiovascular and Tissue Perfusion Physiology, Professor Chike has dedicated his career to teaching, research, and mentoring future generations of medical professionals. His research interests span cardiovascular physiology, endocrinology, neuroscience, renal and respiratory physiology, blood physiology, and ageing, with significant contributions that have advanced medical knowledge in these fields.
His academic career includes service as a House Officer at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Registrar, Honorary Tutor in Internal Medicine, and Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the School of Laboratory Technological Sciences, University of Port Harcourt. He also served as a visiting lecturer at several Nigerian universities, including Imo State University, Niger Delta University, and Madonna University, while acting as an external examiner for numerous institutions across the country.
An accomplished mentor, Professor Chike has supervised over 350 undergraduate students, 50 master’s degree candidates, and 20 doctoral students, while also assessing more than 17 professorial candidates from various Nigerian universities.
His scholarly achievements are equally remarkable. Since attaining the rank of Professor in July 2012, he has authored six medical physiology textbooks, ten monographs, and more than 100 peer-reviewed research and journal publications, cementing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost medical academics.
Beyond academia, Professor Chike has served the public with distinction. He is a three-time Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, where he played key roles in strengthening healthcare delivery and served as the state’s COVID-19 Incident Manager during the global pandemic. His public service also includes serving as Chairman of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Member of the Board of Management of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Chairman of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), and Member of the Governing Board of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny. He is also the Medical Director of Nissi Medical Centre in Port Harcourt.
Professor Chike is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Physiological Society of Nigeria, Neuroscience Society of Nigeria, West African Society of Pharmacology, and other professional organizations. In recognition of his integrity and commitment to excellence, the College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, honoured him with the Champion of Ethics and Values Award.
Outside his professional life, Professor Chike is a devoted Christian who enjoys singing church and classical music. An enthusiastic sportsman, he participates in squash, cricket, hockey, chess, table tennis, lawn tennis, swimming, marathon races, boxing, martial arts, judo, and taekwondo.
He is married to Dr. (Mrs.) Chinwe Blessing Chike, a lecturer in the Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Port Harcourt. Their marriage is blessed with four children—three sons and one daughter.
Widely respected for his humility, calm disposition, integrity, and collaborative leadership style, Professor Chike is expected to bring visionary leadership, academic excellence, innovation, and institutional development to the University of Port Harcourt. As the institution’s 10th Vice-Chancellor, he assumes office with an impressive record of scholarship, administrative competence, and unwavering commitment to service, inspiring confidence in a brighter future for the University of Port Harcourt
Congratulations and best wishes from all of us at Obio Akpor Social Media Group.