SULTAN CALLS FOR IMPROVED FUNDING OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AS UNN HOLDS ITS CONVOCATION
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar, has appealed to the Federal Government to release more fund to Tertiary Institutions, to enhance qualitative education in the country.
The Sultan made appeal at the Conferment of Post Graduate Diploma, Higher Degrees, Title of Professor Emeritus and Award of Honorary Degrees of the University of Nigeria Nsukka.
He noted that adequate funding of tertiary institutions would enhance research and advancement in technology.
President Mohammed Buhari was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Anthony Anwuka, who reiterated the Federal Government’s support to higher institutions to enable them to achieve academic excellence.
The President demanded accountability from the University Management.
“Universities would be expected to reciprocate the noble gestures of the Federal Government by striving at all times to measure up to the required standard to justify the monumental investments in them.”
President Buhari however, commended the authorities of the University Of Nigeria Nsukka for the institution’s outstanding achievements.
Earlier, in an address of welcome, the Vice Chancellor of UNN, Professor Ozumba who recounted some achievements of the university, assured of the institution’s commitment to further lift the university to higher standard.
Professor Ozumba maintained that the University had continued to promote scientific research, innovative teaching and community service.
“The university has continued to demonstrate its resolve to promote innovative, scientific education through research by encouraging outstanding individuals and companies to develop the future,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor pointed out that the inauguration of a 60 Mega Watt Power Station which was performed recently in the institution was among numerous achievements recorded under his administration.
The Chancellor of the University Oba Babatunde Ogunwusi urged the post graduates to contribute positively to the development of the society.
Addressing, the audience, the Pro-Chancellor of UNN, Chief Mike Olarunfemi extolled the leadership qualities of members of the institution’s Management.
He encouraged the students to be good ambassadors of their alumni.
It was indeed a joyous moment for the graduated students of the University of Nigeria Nsukka immediately the Vice Chancellor announced the award of Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates to the students in which 132 of them made First Class Honors.
Speaking on behalf of the new graduates, the overall best graduating student, Miss Augusta Ufondu, attributed her achievement to hard work.
Also, one of the Post graduating students, Dr. Joshua Uzoegbu promised to impart the knowledge gained to his students.
“I have gathered enough knowledge; I will sit back and begin to dish out this my wealth of knowledge to the society, first to my students.”
The weeklong event was rounded off with honorary Doctorate Award to some distinguished personalities, who had excelled in their fields of endeavours.
1,533 students were awarded post graduate degrees and diplomas while the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar; a former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Oji-Uzor Kalu and a banker, Chief Jim Ovia were awarded honorary degrees.
OBIORA EZE