The visitor to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ably represented by the Director, Universities, federal ministry of education Hajia Rakiya Gambo Ilyasu. The president made this remark in his speech at the just concluded 17th convocation ceremony of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka held from 4th to 8th December, 2023. Has said that graduates should go beyond acquiring certificates to what they can do in addition to the acquired certificate. He reiterated that the present world has gone beyond just having certificate to what skill you have acquired in addition to your certificate, he congratulated the graduands having been certified in character and in learning. He whished them God’s direction as they are about to begin their journey of life. The president also called on the good hearted Nigerians to join the government in building a better university education.
10,707 student’s bags various award of degrees, 20 inducted into the Hall of fame, and 3 eminent Nigerians conferred with honorary awards in Celebratory Convocation Milestone Achievements of Nanmdi Azikiwe University Awka.
Hundreds of jubilant graduates, along with esteemed faculty members, family, and friends, gathered at Nnamdi Azikiwe University from Monday 4th to Friday 8th of December to commemorate the triumphant culmination of academic endeavors at the institution convocation ceremony. Amidst a sea of caps and gowns, the convocation ceremony echoed with resounding applause and cheers as graduates from diverse fields were conferred with degrees, symbolizing the fruits of their dedication and hard work.
Distinguished speakers, including Prof Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede the Jamb Registrar who graced the occasion, as the convocation lecturer under the distinguished chairmanship of Prof Chinedu Nebo, delivered impassioned lecture that encapsulated the essence of resilience, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. A lecture which he titled Mainstreaming uncertainty: getting ready for the University of Life.
Other event that marked the 17th convocation ceremony include: Convocation Thanksgiving service, Pioneer university hall of fame where 20 personalities (Alumni and non-Alumni members) were inducted for their outstanding support towards the development of the university. Other interesting activity was the giving of prices to best graduating students, Commissioning of projects, conferment of first degrees, masters, doctorate and honorary doctorate degree by the university chancellor. His Majesty Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CFR.
The vice chancellor Prof Charles Okechukwu Esimone while delivering his speech started with a poser that says: Project 200, Mission Accomplished? Prof Esimone enumerated all his achievements within the four and half years of his tenure irrespective of the enormous challenges that confronted his administration. Recall that the vice chancellor assumed office in June 2019, and in 2020, 2021 and part of 2022 the Covid’19 epidemic interrupted every activities world over. Just shortly after that, Nigeria universities suffered another humongous setback by the frequent and extended strike action of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The vice chancellor notwithstanding was able to sail through the storm to making sure he kept to his promise which is achieving the ACADA project.
The event was a tapestry of emotions, with tears of joy and laughter painting the faces of graduates who bid farewell to the hallowed halls of academia, embracing the promise of new beginnings and endless possibilities. The convocation featured touching moments of gratitude, as students and honorary degree recipients expressed their heartfelt appreciation to the school, the lecturers, heads of department, principal officers, their mentors and loved ones whose unwavering support, encouragement and disciplinary measures contributed to their success.
In line with the Motto of the University which is Discipline, Excellence and Self-Reliance, the institution has demonstrated this through quality standard, academic excellence and the caliber of students it has produced from inception. Among persons conferred with honorary award were: Abdul Samad Rabiu, CFR, CON Chairman BUA Group, Dr. Okey Anueyiagu, Chief Ikenna Kelvin Okafor, MD/CEO, Global Leasing Limited. Reacting on behalf of the honorary degree recipient Dr. Okey Anueyiagu re-emphasized the significance of the milestone honour and the potential of the graduating class.
The convocation saw the presence of eminent personalities and dignitaries from different parts of Nigeria and beyond, this include: the university visitor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ably represented by the Director of Tertiary education, Federal Ministry of Education, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, the executive governor of Anambra Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Acting vice chancellor, Chukwuemeka Odumuegu Ojukwu University (COOU) and the host of others.
The convocation concluded on a high note, leaving indelible memories and paving the way for these graduates to embark on their respective journeys, equipped with knowledge, experience, and an unwavering determination to make a positive impact on the nation and the world at large.
