11 bag 1st class as GUU convocates 409 graduands

By Steve Oko

It was a harvest of 1st Class at the Gregory University Uturu, GUU, Abia State, as no fewer than 11 students, weekend, graduated with 1st Class honours at the 10th Convocation ceremony of the institution.

Over 400 graduands from different programmes of the institution – first degree, masters and doctorate degree -, convocated at the glamorous ceremony that was attended by people from all walks of life.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC, Professor Yusufu Ribadu, the commission had lifted embargo on the establishment or operation of foreign universities in Nigeria.

He said the decision was taken to allow foreign direct investment in the education sector.

Prof. Ribadu also said it was to strengthen and make the Nigeria university system more globally competitive.

The NUC boss who was represented by
Offor Chukwuemeka, said the Commission had initiated some sweeping reforms that would make products to Nigerian university global hot-cakes.

He further explained that the partnership “are under six competitive modes – franchise, branch campus, twinning/articulation, open and distance learning (ODL), acquisition and teaching institutions.”

Prof. Ribadu said NUC introduced code of governance for private universities in Nigeria to ensure uniformity in their operations.

He said NUC embarked on curriculum re-engineering from Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards (BMAS) to Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), as part of efforts to reposition the system.

“NUC during the curriculum review adopted 70:30 NUC : University ratio for curriculum content.

“NUC provided 70 per cent of the minimum core course which are mandatory for graduation in Nigerian Universities and 30 percent for universities to customize and align with their unique areas of expertise.”

Emphasizing on the acquisition of 21st century employability skills for graduating students, NUC commended the management of GUU for its strides towards educational revolution in the country.

In a remark, Gov. Alex Otti also applauded the founder of GUU, Professor Gregory Ibe for his foresight in the establishment of the university which he noted , had made tremendous impacts on many lives.

Otti who was represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche, restated his commitment towards educational revolution

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Cele Njoku, in her address, said the institution which began with three, had expanded to 12 Colleges with over 53 departments in 13 years.

She noted that all eight courses submitted to the NUC in 2024 had received full accreditation, adding that new other courses including Artificial Intelligence, AI, and major foreign languages had been introduced by the management.

The VC congratulated the graduands and tasked them to remain good Ambassadors of the institution.

Founder, Prof. Greg Ibe, represented by the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Augustine Uwakwe, said his vision of establishing the institution was to make quality education available and accessible to the people.

He expressed delight over the academic records of the students and promised to sustain his support for education , while urging the graduands to profer solution to challenges plaguing humanity.

In his valedictory speech, the Overall Best Graduating student, Master Onyechere Chinedum Yadirichukwu, who made 4.91 CGPA, said “it is time for us to build Nigeria we want”.

The 21 -year-old young Accountant from Amagu Ihube Okigwe in Imo State who dreams to be a strong voice in the Accountancy profession, dedicated his laurel to his parents for their support, and for laying a strong foundation for him.

Honorary doctorate degree was conferred on former Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; the Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Linus Nto Mba; and the Chairman, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Imo State , Dr Okenze Sylvester Obinna.