Reporter: RITA ONYEKWE
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says his administration will continue to support initiatives that strengthen teaching, research, innovation, and infrastructure development across Nigerian universities.
The President made this known in his address at the 55th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). He was represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoregie.
President Tinubu congratulated the graduating students and commended the University of Nigeria for its consistency in producing quality manpower to drive the nation’s economy.
He also praised the institution for advancing research and innovation that provide solutions to societal challenges.
The President urged the graduates to apply the knowledge they have acquired to improve themselves and contribute meaningfully to national development. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding access to higher education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) student loan scheme.
President Tinubu further pledged to improve the welfare and capacity of academic and non-teaching staff through better remuneration, reforms that promote professional development, research excellence, and institutional stability.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Professor Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, congratulated the graduates and highlighted some of the achievements recorded since assuming office. He disclosed that the university awarded 2,994 postgraduate degrees, comprising Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master’s, and Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) qualifications.
The university also conferred honorary degrees on six distinguished personalities. Among them was the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who received an honorary Doctor of Public Administration degree in recognition of her contributions to public service, women’s empowerment, social development, and her commitment to advancing the welfare and dignity of vulnerable Nigerians.
In her acceptance speech, delivered by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs and Strategy, Chief Wahab Olawale King, the First Lady promised to reward the best graduating female students of the university as a way of encouraging academic excellence.
Highlights of the ceremony included the decoration of the honorary award recipients and the traditional handshake between the Chancellor and the doctoral graduates.
Dignitaries at the event included the Ooni of Ife and Chancellor of the University, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Nigeria, Professor b Adegboyega Karim; traditional rulers, lecturers, as well as friends and family members of the graduates.
COV: Rita
