Nigerian Universities have been charged to change from dwelling on mundane theories, issues and curricula that lack ample connectivity with issues at hand and adopt workable mechanisms targeted at handling issues in the society.
Governor Godswill Akpabio gave the charge Saturday at the maiden convocation of Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin Local Government Area, remarked, “The world is changing and our university system must change in line with current realities. Our universities must change from dwelling on mundane theories, issues and curricula that lack ample connectivity with issues at hand and adopt workable mechanisms targeted at handling issues in the society. This is what we expect from the Akwa state university and other higher institutions in our country.
“We consider the development of education as a panacea in the transformation of our society and why it has a prime of place in our policies, we believe that education is the bedrock of development of any society, and if we redeem our fatherland tomorrow, we must invest in education today”, he said
On the maiden convocation of the state university, he remarked, “We are gathered here to celebrate the actualization of a dream, realization of a vision and the fulfillment of hope. Today, in coming to mark the maiden convocation of our prestigious institution of higher learning – the Akwa Ibom State University, we celebrate that love and passion for education. Furthermore, we mark another milestone in our uncommon transformation of our dear State and in our efforts in building a vibrant education sector to power the development of our polity.
“This institution has left imprints in the education sector in our State and set a solid foundation for the development of future generation of Akwa Ibom children. With the free and compulsory education in the state, there has been a corresponding increase in the number of our children seeking university education yearly. We are sending out an army of youths armed with knowledge and prepared to change our national narrative.
“This University is a world-class conventional, multi-disciplinary institution with multi-campus structure established as part of our commitment to education development in our State. This university has complemented the few tertiary institutions in our State in solving the admission problems of our State and has in no small measure complemented the free and compulsory education programme in the State”.
“In today’s world, institutions of higher learning proffer solutions to issues in the society and move the society forward through research and development of relevant academic curricula. Our State is transforming into an industrial stage, and it is, therefore, expected that our University will play a prime role, through research and expertise, in this transformation”, the governor maintained.
Congratulating the graduating students on their educational attainments, Akpabio stated, “Today, you have been confirmed, certified and found worthy in character and learning to be admitted into the circle of scholars. You have been found worthy to lead the path, show the way and blaze the trail for the gains of our society. I implore you to be great ambassadors of your alma mater and let the light of the knowledge you have acquired in this great institution brighten the path for Nigeria and Africa to emerge from the shadows of under-development to the sunlit day of development and prosperity”.
Akpabio then disclosed that the state government would sponsor the two best graduating students to further their education from any university of their choice in any part of the world.
Speaking, the chancellor of the Akwa Ibom state university, His Highness, Alhaji Najib Hussani Adamu, Emir of Kazaure thanked the state Governor for initiating the emergence of the state university, stressing that the university appreciates him for coming to share in the joy of the mementoes occasion, assuring him of its unflinching support and loyalty of the community development and thanked the vice chancellor, management team and all staff of the university for taking the institution to enviable heights, particularly in training the children for significant roles in shaping the future of the nation.
Congratulating the graduates, the emir said that they are the envy of their peers, and that they are expected to win international laurels especially in sciences, make optimistic impact on the global economy and also compete with world-class students from other countries, which he said is as a result of the excellent education they have acquired from the institution.
Alhaji Adamu then urged them to go into the world and share the important values they have learnt from the university, to make a difference to, set the world aglow as the flame of knowledge will continue to illuminate in their hearts.
The Pro-chancellor of the university, Obong Engr. Asuquo Udofia, acknowledged the significant, timely financial and infrastructural support that the institution has received from the federal and state governments, pledging their alloyed commitment to a prudent management and deployment of the precious resources.
Udofia, who hoped that it is the desire of the institution that the students who pass through the portals of the university become standard bearers at the end of their courses, stressed that the only way to realize the goal is through the provision of holistic and conducive learning environment so that students would not pass through the gates of the university, but that the ideals of the university would also pass through them.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. James Ibanga who hinted that the university which started with three faculties in 2010, now has six approved established faculties with 34 departments and 39 degree programmes.
The Akwa Ibom State University graduated its first set of students numbering 42, with the best graduating student (Ibekwe Eteobong) emerging with a GPA of 4.69.
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