University of Port Harcourt Celebrates New Hotel as Valuable to Infrastructure

By Salami Adeyinka

The University of Port Harcourt is celebrating the commissioning of the JuliRose Hotels and Suites, a 180-room hospitality facility, as a valuable addition to the infrastructure.

It was unveiled on Friday, December 12 by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the 17th Governing Council, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.

The hotel was constructed under the administration of former President, Goodluck Jonathan, was officially opened in the presence of university authorities, government representatives, traditional rulers, and stakeholders from the private sector.

Ohuabunwa, who described the project as a valuable addition, noted that it would strengthen the institution’s capacity to host academic activities, visiting scholars, conferences, and official engagements.

JuliRose Hotels and Suites was conceived as part of efforts to expand accommodation and hospitality services within the University of Port Harcourt.

Construction of the facility commenced during the Jonathan administration, with the objective of supporting academic excellence and improving infrastructure around the university environment.

The project was completed and prepared for commissioning under the leadership of CEO Julius Kaite, who oversaw its final development and operational readiness.

The Managing Director, Philip Kaite, stated that the hotel was designed to address accommodation needs while contributing to economic activity within the host communities.

“This facility was developed to serve the University of Port Harcourt, the surrounding communities, and Rivers State,” he said.

“It is expected to contribute to local commerce, employment, and academic collaboration.”

The hotel features 180 guest rooms and suites, alongside conference and event halls, a fine-dining restaurant, a swimming pool, gym and wellness facilities, a football pitch, and modern digital and security infrastructure.

The General Manager, Mr. Kumar Kamal, said operational systems and staff training had been completed ahead of the opening, adding that the facility was ready to support academic, corporate, and leisure engagements.

Stakeholders at the commissioning noted that the hotel is expected to enhance the University of Port Harcourt’s hospitality capacity, support tourism within Rivers State, and provide additional infrastructure for academic and business visitors to the region.

The event was attended by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, members of the Governing Council, representatives of the OilQuest Group, and traditional rulers from the Alakahia and Choba communities.