From
the inception of the university, the University of Port Harcourt recognized the
important role a balanced educational system can play in providing the link
between town and gown. Consequently, at the first seating of the provisional
Senate of the University College, Port Harcourt, held at the residence of the
Principal, Professor Donald E. U. Ekong on the 29th of October, 1976, Senate
considered the proposal by the joint Board of the then Schools of Humanities,
Social Studies and Educational Studies on the need to establish a committee on
National Self-reliance.