UNIPORT Mourns As DVC-Designate Passes On

Barely five days after his election as the Deputy Vice Chancellor-designate, Academic, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Prof Andrew Efemini, has died suddenly.
The late Professor of Philosophy was along with others awaiting the ratification of his elevation by the institution’s Governing Council before he died in the early hours of Saturday.
The university community, academics and human rights and civil society families have been thrown into mourning by news of the sudden demise of the outspoken professor.
As expected, the news of his demise instantly went viral on many platforms on the Internet.
The late Prof Efemini had always made his health status public that he had been a diabetic patient for many years.
It was not clear as at the time of filing this report whether the deceased died of complications from the terminal disease he had been battling with.
Reliable sources in the university confirmed the sad incident but pleaded anonymity.
“This is because his immediate family has not officially communicated to the university about the sad demise of academic,” a source said.
The sources also corrected social media reports that he was “appointed” as DVC, Academic.
“He was actually elected, like other DVCs designate awaiting confirmation from the Governing Council of the university, and later sworn in and assume office.”
Meanwhile, the Management of the University of Port Harcourt has officially announced the sudden demise of Deputy Vice Chancellor-designate in charge of Academic, Prof Andrew Efemini.
A statement last Saturday by the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Sam Kpenu, reads; “The Management of the University of Port Harcourt announces the sudden demise of Deputy Vice Chancellor-designate in charge of Academic, Prof Andrew Efemini, whose unfortunate death took place on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).
“Speaking when he paid a condolence visit to the family, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Owunari Georgewill, described Prof Efemini as a man of ideas, whose contributions had assisted the growth of the university. The vice chancellor said the exit of Prof Efemini was a personal loss to him.
“Efemini was elected as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) at the 459th Senate Meeting (Extra-ordinary) on Wednesday, July 28, 2021. His appointment was awaiting approval by the Governing Council before his untimely demise on Saturday.
“He was a Professor of Philosophy of Development in the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities.
“More details will be made available subsequently. The university mourns his death,” the statement added.