Education
PAA University, Kogi Graduates 19,000 Students
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Nineteen Thousand (19,000) students of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, were on Friday awarded first degrees in various disciplines during the 6th convocation ceremony of the institution.
Speaking at the occasion, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, said that the convocation ceremony was a combined one beginning from 2016 to date.
She disclosed that the National Universities Commission, (NUC) has accredited 48 programmes offered in the University, representing 100 per cent accreditation.
Professor Tenuche noted that the recent ranking of universities in Nigeria by NUC indicated that Prince Abubakar Audu University emerged one of 25 out of the 170 public and private universities in the country that have full accreditation for all courses offered.
The VC also disclosed that in the last three years (2019, 2020 and 2021) respectively, the Faculty of Law of the institution at the Nigeria Law School, has produced three First Class graduates, a feat she attributed to quality teaching, research and learning in the Faculty and the entire University.
Speaking on the effort of the management of the university in curbing cultism and other security challenges, the Vice Chancellor, disclosed that the institution has entered into collaboration with the vigilante outfit in Anyigba town to help in tackling criminalities in and around the campus.
She added that the effort was further complemented by the assistance the University received from the Army and the Police, assuring that the collaboration will continue to be sustained in the interest of the university.
Professor Tenuche who is the 5th Vice Chancellor of the University, lamented that since 2015 the institution was not able to hold convocation for graduands, noting that the ceremony was scheduled to hold in 2020 but was stalled by Covid-19 pandemic.
Graduands during ceremony were awarded First Degrees in the Faculties of Agriculture, Arts and Humanities, Education, Law, Management Sciences, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences. “Prizes and Awards were given to the deserving graduands in Faculties and Departments” she said.
Governor Yahaya Bello in a speech delivered on his behalf by his Deputy, Edward Onoja at the event, expressed the readiness of the present administration in Kogi state to position the University to attain its high potential.
The Governor explained that the renaming of the University after the late former Governor of the state, Prince Abubakar Audu was aimed at giving honour to whom it is due in recognition of his legacies when he ruled the state twice, from 1991 to 1993 as civilian Governor.
Bello assured that his administration is equally ready to do the needful in order to guarantee conducive learning environment in the University.
The source explained that the bandits killed 18 people including children and women razed down a number of houses and abducted an unspecified number of people before departing.
It was gathered That, the community never took the threat by the bandits of invading them if they fail to pay the levies they impose on them seriously given that military had in recent operations in the area reduced banditry and kidnapping activities.
About 18 corpses of the victims were brought to Minna General Hospital late last night for embalmment, but the morgue attendant could not carry out the exercise untill Sunday morning.
Education
Bells Varsity Honours 91 Students with First Class at 16th Convocation
Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun, on Saturday awarded 91 students of the institution First Class (Honours) at its 16th Convocation Ceremonies.
The convocation ceremonies are for the 2023/2024 academic session.
Ojediran said that a total of 969 students graduated in the academic session.
He said that they comprised the 91 students who made First Class grade, 505 who secured Second Class (Upper Division), 313 with Second Class (Lower Division) and 60 graduating with Third Class.
The vice-chancellor said that 220 students were graduating in the post-graduate category.
Mr Sally Farouk from the university’s Department of Architecture emerged the overall best student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.
94, according to Ojediran.He said that the institution set out to proffer best solutions from collective knowledge, shared experiences and resources, recognising that education was a lifelong activity.
The vice-chancellor lauded the staff of the university for cooperation and dedication to giving the students quality education.
“You have joined hands with the management of the institution to work on this fertile ground,” he said.
The Pro-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Bart Nnaji, said that university was the first private university of technology in Nigeria, noting that it was established in 2005.
Nnaji said that the institution had made remarkable achievements in teaching and research as part of its vision to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria.
“Let me also congratulate the graduating students who have distinguished themselves through their hard work and discipline and are being rewarded today.” he said.
In his remarks, the Chancellor of the institution, Dr Ibrahim Dankwambo, commended former President Olusegun Obasanjo for contributions to education development in the country.
Dankwambo also congratulated a former Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Peter Okebukola, and the Executive Director of Sahara Group, Mr Temitope Shonubi, for honorary doctoral degree given them by the university.
Report says that Okebukola and Shonubi were conferred with the degree for their outstanding pedigrees and services to humanity. (NAN)
Education
Prioritise Teachers’ Welfare, NUT President Urges Governors
President of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Audu Amba, on Tuesday, called on state governors to prioritise the welfare of teachers to enhance quality education at the grassroots.Amba made the call at the Adamawa NUT Delegates’ Conference, with the theme: “Education Challenge in an Economy of Uncertainty: Effect of Teachers,” in Yola.
While appreciating Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri for the immediate implementation of N70,000 minimum wage, he called on other governor, who had yet to implement it in their states to do so. The NUT president advised members to be productive and strive to undergo training and retraining to further enhance their efficiency and effectiveness.He called on delegates to elect leaders who would lead well and be bold enough to protect the interests of teachers.Amba also appealed to the governor to implement the minimum wage for primary school teachers and local government workers.In his address, Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Adamawa chapter, Emmanuel Fashe, decried what he called over-taxation of the civil servants in the state, following the implementation of the new minimum wage.Fashe commended the state government for the recent employment of qualified teachers, calling for employment of more, especially primary school teachers.He urged the delegates to conduct themselves in an orderly manner and vote wisely.The governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Education Reform, Prof. Sofema Geoffrey, reiterated his administration’s commitment to the development of education in the state.According to him, NUT has a lot to showcase in term of support to government to ensuring quality education in the state.Fintri urged the delegates to conduct a peaceful conference.He assured that other issues at the forum, especially the ones on over-taxation, would be put into consideration. (NAN)Education
Over 40 Students Bag First Class at FUL
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
No fewer than 41 Students out of the total number of 1,863 bagged first class degree at the 8th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Lokoja
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, disclosed this in his speech at the 8th convocation ceremony held at the Felele main Campus of the institution in Lokoja at the weekend.
He said that 461 students were conferred with Second Class Upper and 974 got Second Class Lower while 384 students bagged Third Class and 3 students were awarded Pass Degree.
Professor Olayemi Akinwumi also announced that a total of 117 students were awarded Diploma and 216 with postgraduate degrees: Ph.
D, Master’s and PGD.He said that within his short period in office, the university had embarked on a landmark Collaboration with Rural Electrification Agency to provide reliable power generation via renewal energy solutions such as installation of campus-wide street lighting and establishment of renewable energy training centres.
The Vice Chancellor also announced that Federal University, Lokoja under his administration established the first-ever Zoo and Conservatory in Kogi state to serve not only as a significant hub for research and education but also provide a unique platform for community engagement and environmental conservation.
“It is worth noting that prior to my assumption of office in 2021, only two inaugural lectures were held at our university but now I am proud to share that we have successfully conducted a total of twenty-two inaugural lectures since then.
“In our commitment to fostering engagement with critical societal issues, we have prioritised public lectures as the cornerstone of our mission at FUL. Since our last convocation, we have successfully organized six impactful public lectures that have addressed a variety of important topics” Professor Olayemi Akinwumi further disclosed.