Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
It was a harvest of First Class over the weekend at the 12th convocation ceremony of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, MOUAU, as no fewer than 162 out of the 4,781 graduands made First Class honours.
While 164 bagged Doctorate degrees; 1,710 graduated with Second Class Upper Division; and 2,124 made Second Class Lower Division.
Analysis of the list of graduands showed that 734 graduands made Third Class, nine had only Pass while 42 had unclassified grade.
In his speech at the massively-attended ceremony, the VIce Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, said the vision of of the university “is to be the foremost institution for producing highly rated graduates in Agriculture, Science and Technology, and to be a vehicle for the attainment of the primary goals of the national agriculture policy of self sufficiency in food and fiber production.”
He re-stated the commitment of the university management under his watch, to pursue its core mandate of serving the people through education, manpower development and quality research aimed at the development of technologies that will overcome major constraints to agricultural production.
Professor Iwe said the management would continue to make efforts to expand programmes of the university and build infrastructure.
He said the development of the permanent site of the university had commenced, saying that prudent management of scare resources has been the secret of his administration.
The VC decried endless strikes by various staff unions, and pleaded with the Federal Government to address the issues raised by the unions.
Professor Iwe who regretted that some of the staff of the university who travelled abroad for further studies had refused to return, also identified the deplorable condition of the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene federal road leading to the university as some of the major challenges of the institution.
He said that the management had started addressing some of the issues raised by the Visitation Panel.
The VC charged the graduands to remain worthy ambassadors of the university where ever they might find themselves.
Speaking also, the Pro-Chancellor, Comrade Fidelis Edeh, thanked the management of the university for its strives for excellence.
He promised that the Council would not interfere in the administration of the institution but would strive to uphold accountability and demonstrable results in Council’s affairs.
The Pro-Chancellor also vowed to pursue the vision and agricultural revolution of the Late Michael Okpara who the university was named after.
In his address, which was read at the ceremony, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said agriculture remains a strategic sector for diversifying Nigeria’s economy.
He said his administration set up students’ loan fund because of his passion for the education of the youths.
The President charged the university to continue to promote quality education for the development of the country.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Alex Otti represented by his Deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, an Engineer, commended the graduands for their resilience, and charged them to help proffer solution to the food crisis in the country.
The Governor also pledged the continued support and harmonious relationship of the State with the university.
He said his administration focuses on promoting innovation and research development.
Meanwhile, Paul Promise Chibuike of the Department of Biochemistry made 4.92 Cumulative Grade Point Average, CGPA, to emerge the overall Best Graduand.
In his valedictory speech, the overall Best Graduand, Master Chibuike thanked God for His grace, while appreciating his family for their tireless support and prayers.
He said the encouraging words and wise counsels of his mother had always been a source of inspiration.
He said that his Christian background was the secret of his success as he adhered to instructions and took his studies seriously.
He also acknowledged the efforts of his Course Adviser, Dr Charles Nnanna Chukwu, who he said had always inspired him towards setting a high goal for himself.
