Emeka Okafor, Umuahia
Three Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Seven Graduates were awarded with Higher and First Degrees during the 29 the Convocation Ceremony of the Abia State University which held over the weekend at the University’s Pavilion.
Vice Chancellor of the State University, Professor OnyebuchiOgbulu who disclosed in his address presented at the convocation said the graduation ceremony was made possible due to the Industrial Peace and Harmony in the system despite agitations from various University Staff Unions.
He attributes the achieved feat to the transparent style of the administration which has generated total massive trust by the entire staff and students of the Institution.
“It was this same trust and confidence that stabilized the academic system on my assumption of office as well as motivated the Staff Unions of the University, ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAAT, through regular interface to resume academic activities for the 2020/2021 Session in the midst of the prolonged ASUU strike”.
He further disclosed that similarly his administration provided an unprecedented harmonious relationship with students through an open door policy for them to reach the office of the Vice Chancellor on any issue and in addition approved a monthly on-line interaction where the students asked questions and comments on matters affecting them.
Prof. Ogbulu revealed that his administration has maintained a robust relationship with the host community as there is always regular interactions between the administration, Uturu Traditional Rulers Council and UturuDevelopment Association.
On accreditation of programmes of the Institution, Prof. Ogbulu sad the University under his administration achieved a successful accreditation of 27 programmes for the 2020/2021 accreditation exercise out of the 34 programmesfor the exercise in 2021.
Ogbulu congratulated the overall best graduating student, Agbazuere Oluomachi from the Faculty of Law, “In keeping with the tradition of this University, the best graduating student will be offered automatic employment as Academic Staff of this University”.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Education, MallamAdamu Adamu represented by the Executive Secretary, National Universities commission, Professor AbubakarAdamu Rasheed, used the occasion to highlight that the challenges of University Education in Nigeria such as deficit quality of faculty and inadequate funding.
He encourages universities to put in place incentives that will attract foreign faculty and International students for increased visibility while revealed the launch of a new curriculum which is designed to promote entrepreneurship and innovation amongst students in order to widen their career opportunities as well as attract international renowned scholars.
“The curriculum prescribes 70% of the minimum credit units required for graduation for each program, while the individual and universities are expected to complement this by prescribing the balance of 30% to confer on each of them some level of uniqueness”, he disclosed.
Earlier in their various addresses, the Chancellor of the State University, Professor James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse and the Pre- Chancellor and chairman Governing Council, Chief MBA Okoronkwo Ukariwo thanked Governor OkezieIkpeazu for all he has done for the University to be where it is as at today.
In his goodwill message, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu who is the Visitor to the University observed that his administration from inception has shown commitment to qualitative and functional education which formed the inclusion of Education in his Five Development Pillars of his administration.
Governor Ikpeazu represented by his Deputy, Dr Use Okochukwu said the administration has never hidden it’sinterest in the institution, “This is why we have done everything within our financial capability to upgrade the Standards of education here.
“Our Vision to make Abia State University the Centre of Excellence in learning and character and the most progressive Institution in the country is achievable in no distant time as we journey together with high sense of responsibility and purpose”
He urged the students and lecturers to ensure that the atmosphere of rancor is distilled and aborted,” Let us banish Cultism, uphold good morals standards, shun corruption, and minimize incessant industrial actions
