162 make 1st class as Okpara varsity graduates 4,781 students

162 make 1st class as Okpara varsity graduates 4,781 students

By Steve Oko

No fewer than 162 students made First Class honours as the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, MOUAU, graduated a total of 4,781 students during its 12th convocation ceremony Saturday, at the university.

Statistical distribution of the students showed that 164 bagged Doctorate degrees; 1,710 graduated with Second Class Upper Division; 2,124 made Second Class Lower Division; while 734 made Third Class.

Nine graduands had only Pass while 42 had unclassified grade.

Speaking at the ceremony, the VIce Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, re-stated the commitment of the university management under his watch, to pursue its core mandate of serving the people through education, manpower development and quality research aimed at the development of technologies that will overcome major constraints to agricultural production.

He said the vision of of the university “is to be the foremost institution for producing highly rated graduates in Agriculture, Science and Technology, and to be a vehicle for the attainment of the primary goals of the national agriculture policy of self sufficiency in food and fiber production”.

The VC identified the development of the permanent site of the university as part of the achievements recorded under his watch.

He also said that construction had resumed in some of the abandoned projects in the university, expressing optimism that they will be delivered soon.

Professor Iwe who noted that paucity of funds had been a major impediment of the university’s transformation efforts, however, said judicious management of scarce resources had enabled him to record successes.

He used the opportunity to appeal to the students of the university to key into the students’ loan scheme of the federal government and sponsor their education without stress.

The VC who also identified endless strikes by various staff unions, pleaded with the Federal Government to address the issues raised by the unions.

He further identified the migration of some staff of the university abroad, and the deplorable condition of the Umuahia -Ikot Ekpene federal road leading to the university as some of the major challenges of the institution.

The VC charged the graduands to remain worthy ambassadors of the university where ever they might find themselves.

In a remark, the Pro -Chancellor, Comrade Fidelis Edeh, thanked the management of the university for its strives for excellence.

He promised that the Council would not interfere in the administration of the institution but would strive to uphold accountability and demonstrable results in Council’s affairs.

The Pro-Chancellor also promised to pursue the vision and agricultural revolution of the Late Michael Okpara who the university was named after.

In his address, which was read at the ceremony, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said agriculture remains a strategic sector for diversifying Nigeria’s economy.

He said his administration set up students’ loan fund because of his passion for the education of the youths.

The President charged the university to continue to promote quality education for the development of the country.

In a remark, Gov. Alex Otti represented by his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, an Engineer , commended the graduands for their resilience, and charged them to help proffer solution to the food crisis in the country.

The Governor also pledged the continued support and harmonious relationship of the State with the university.

He said his administration focuses on promoting innovation and research development.

Meanwhile, Paul Promise Chibuike of the Department of Biochemistry made 4.92 Cumulative Grade Point Average, CGPA, to emerge the overall Best Graduand.

In his valedictory speech, the overall Best Graduand, Master Chibuike thanked God for His grace, while appreciating his family for their tireless support and prayers.

He said the encouraging words and wise counsels of his mother had always been a source of inspiration.

He said that his Christian background was the secret of his success as he adhered to instructions and took his studies seriously.

He also acknowledged the efforts of his Course Adviser, Dr Charles Nnanna Chukwu, who he said had always inspired him towards setting a high goal for himself.

The pre-convocation lecture was on Friday, delivered by Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State.

 

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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