Davidson Owumi to Receive Excellence in Service Award from University of Port Harcourt During 50th Anniversary Celebration
Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), will receive the prestigious Excellence in Service Award from the University of Port Harcourt. This distinguished recognition comes as part of the university’s grand celebration of its 50th anniversary. The University of Port Harcourt, a leading institution in Nigeria’s higher education landscape, selected Owumi along with several other prominent individuals and organizations who have played significant roles in the school’s development.
University officials scheduled the award ceremony for Thursday, July 24, at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Centre of Excellence located within the university campus. The event will culminate in a special Pro-Chancellor’s Dinner, where the university will present awards to all recipients.
University of Port Harcourt Honors Alumni Who Contributed to Institutional Growth
Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, personally signed and delivered the official letter of nomination to Davidson Owumi. In the letter, the Vice Chancellor acknowledged Owumi’s exceptional contributions to the university’s growth and overall success. He emphasized that the Excellence in Service Award aims to recognize individuals and institutions that have positively shaped the university’s trajectory over the past five decades.
“As part of the University of Port Harcourt’s 50th anniversary, we feel deeply honored to recognize and appreciate individuals and institutions whose support has played a critical role in our advancement,” the letter stated. “Your contributions have helped shape our legacy and continue to inspire our journey forward.”
Owumi’s Legacy at the University of Port Harcourt
Davidson Owumi graduated from the University of Port Harcourt, a prominent second-generation federal university in Nigeria. During his time as a student, Owumi actively participated in the university’s football team. He stood out as a key player and contributed significantly to the team’s success during the 1980s. Owumi’s performance on the pitch not only brought glory to the university but also highlighted the importance of sports in promoting unity and excellence among students.
His football career, both during and after university, laid the foundation for a life dedicated to sports development, leadership, and service. Owumi’s journey from a student-athlete to a respected football executive exemplifies the values the University of Port Harcourt seeks to instill in its graduates—leadership, excellence, and service to the community.
From Football Field to Executive Office: Owumi’s Impact on Nigerian Football
After graduating from the university, Davidson Owumi transitioned into a professional football career and later took up leadership roles in football administration. Today, he serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria’s top-flight football league. In this role, Owumi has brought innovation, integrity, and professional standards to the management of the league.
Under his leadership, the NPFL has improved its organizational structure, strengthened club management, and attracted greater investment and media coverage. Owumi continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of Nigerian football, focusing on talent development, financial transparency, and stakeholder engagement.
The University of Port Harcourt recognized these accomplishments as part of a larger pattern of excellence that Owumi has exhibited throughout his career. His dedication to sports, education, and institutional development aligns perfectly with the university’s mission to foster excellence in teaching, research, and community service.
Vice Chancellor Commends Owumi’s Lifelong Commitment to Excellence
In the letter addressed to Owumi, Vice Chancellor Professor Georgewill expressed the university’s appreciation for Owumi’s sustained support. He praised Owumi’s enduring partnership with the institution and his contributions that have helped advance the university’s mission and core values.
“It is with immense pleasure that I inform you that you have been selected to receive the Excellence in Service Award for your outstanding contributions to the university,” the Vice Chancellor wrote. “This award is a testament to the enduring partnership and impact you have made in advancing our mission of excellence in education, research, and community service.”
The Vice Chancellor noted that the university aims to celebrate not only academic accomplishments but also those who, like Owumi, extend the university’s impact into national and international spheres. Owumi’s life work symbolizes the potential of education and leadership to drive societal progress and institutional excellence.
Pro-Chancellor’s Dinner to Feature Award Ceremony
The University of Port Harcourt has planned a Pro-Chancellor’s Dinner on the evening of July 24 as the highlight of the 50th anniversary celebration. At this exclusive dinner, the university will formally present the Excellence in Service Awards to all selected honorees. This gathering will bring together notable alumni, stakeholders, government officials, academic leaders, and industry professionals to celebrate five decades of academic and social achievements.
The awards ceremony will serve as a reminder of the university’s vision and the importance of community involvement in achieving long-term success. By honoring past contributors, the university aims to inspire current students, staff, and faculty to uphold its legacy of excellence.
A Symbol of Hope and Future Growth
Davidson Owumi’s award signifies more than individual achievement. It represents the lasting bond between alumni and their alma mater, and the crucial role former students play in the continued development of academic institutions. The University of Port Harcourt continues to leverage these relationships to expand its reach, impact, and global relevance.
As Owumi receives the Excellence in Service Award, he joins a select group of distinguished alumni and benefactors whose lives embody the spirit of the university. Their stories of commitment, leadership, and service form the foundation for the university’s next 50 years.
Final Thoughts
The University of Port Harcourt’s decision to honor Davidson Owumi with the Excellence in Service Award speaks volumes about the influence of alumni who actively support and uplift their alma mater. Owumi’s journey from student-athlete to NPFL executive illustrates the power of education, leadership, and a lifelong dedication to public service.
As the University of Port Harcourt celebrates its golden jubilee, it stands as a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to quality education, innovation, and national development. By recognizing individuals like Owumi, the university reinforces the message that excellence in service remains one of the highest values a person can offer to any institution or society.
