Harvest of 1st class at GUU convocation
* Gets accreditation for additional 16 programmes
By Steve Oko
It was a harvest of First Class degrees at the 8th Convocation ceremony of Gregory University Uturu (GUU), Abia State, at the weekend.
No fewer than eight graduates made First Class while 78 graduated with 2nd Class Upper.
Similarly, 102 had 2nd Class Lower, and 29 got 3rd Class.
This is as the university has got full accreditation for additional 16 programmes including Pharmacy, Architecture, Nursing, Radiography, among others.
Founded by an accomplished Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies and innovator, Professor Greg Ibe, GUU is arguably the most-celebrated private university, South East of Nigeria.
It runs virtually all the professional and highly-sought after courses which most public universities in the zone either do not have or have limited quota for.
The 8th convocation which was held barely one week after the university had its maiden induction of its pioneer medical doctors, was graced by eminent personalities from across the country.
Speaking at the glamourous event at the university’s auditorium, Uturu, Gov. Alex Otti, commended the Founder, Professor Greg Ibe, for his foresight and heavy investment in the vital education sector.
Governor Otti noted that South East accounts for the highest number of admission seekers into tertiary institutions but with limited vacancies, hence the dire need for private investors to bridge the gap as Government could not effectively fix the sector.
The Governor whose message was read by his Special Adviser on Education, Kenechukwu Nwosu, extolled the distinctive features of GUU such as its focus on entrepreneurial training, dedication to language acquisition, exchange programmes with renowned foreign universities, full residency policy, among others.
Otti who vowed to prioritize education in view of its pivotal role, said his administration would support and partner any genuine private investor in the sector.
He recalled that he had already allocated 20% of the 2024 budget (the highest single sector allocation) to education in demonstration of his commitment to revive and transform the sector.
Gov. Otti further said that within six months of his administration, the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, accreditation for the Medical College of the Abia State University Uturu, which was lost during the previous administration had been fully restored.
He promised massive investment and transformation in the education sector to effective and quality delivery.
“Education is not merely a means to secure a job; it is a transformative force that enriches civic life, strengthens democracy, and lays the groundwork for economic success. As we acknowledge the prominence of education, we must recognize that both public and private institutions play vital roles in shaping the future.
“The cornerstone of prosperity lies in education, providing young minds with the tools they need to navigate an ever-evolving world.
“A knowledge-based economy requires strong partnerships between academia, businesses, and government. Gregory University Uturu, as a citadel of academics, will continue to receive our support and partnership in fostering resilient economies and communities.”
He congratulated the graduands and charged them to aspire towards greatness in life.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Augustine Uwakwe, charged the graduands to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution, and to apply the knowledge they had acquired in tackling the challenges ahead.
He disclosed that the university had progressed from three Colleges in 2012 to 11 in 2023, adding that the additional 16 programmes including Pharmacy, Architecture, Nursing, Radiography, among others, approved for it by the National University Commission, NUC, in 2018, have all received full accreditation.
The VC further revealed that the university had established so many centres of excellence including the United Nations Centre for Transformative Advancement in Africa (CTADA); Centre for National Security and Research; West African Green Energy Development Institute (WAGEDI); Centre for Igbo Renaissance; and Centre for Data Sciences and Artificial Intelligence.
Others include: Centre for Nanotechnology Research; Centre for Criminology and Law Enforcement Studies; Centre for Merchatronics Autotronics and Refrigeration; Centre for Drugs Control and Research; Centre for Pharmacognosy, Traditional and Alternative Medicine, among others.
He also said that the institution had entered into Memorandum of Understanding with some notable universities in America, China and Canada for exchange programmes, adding that all best graduating scholars of the university are offered automatic scholarship up to Ph.D level.
In a remark, the Chancellor, Okechukwu Gregory Ibe (Jnr.), charged the graduands to carry with them, the great values inculcated in them during their undergraduate days.
” Remember that you are not just graduates of Gregory University; you are torchbearers of knowledge; utility catalysts of change, and ambassadors of the values that define us”, he said.
He commended the management and staff of the institution for their resilience, promised to continue to reposition it for greater impacts.
Constitutional lawyer and rights advocate, Professor Mike Ozekhome, delivered the convocation lecture.
The convocation which attracted people from all walks of life was held under peaceful atmosphere as security was beefed up along the Uturu/Okigwe road.
Steve Oko, Publisher/C.E.O, WaWa News Global. For more information on advert placement and news coverage, contact us on: 08038725600, or via email stevemanofgod2000@yahoo.com; wawanewsglobal@gmail.com Always read WaWa News Global - Your most dependable online news platform for the latest breaking news in Nigeria. 
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