By David Dari
As Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK) celebrated its Silver Jubilee and 8th Combined Convocation, the Tanzanian President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has promised that her government would support the university towards achieving academic excellence and urged graduating students to remain good ambassadors of the institution wherever they found themselves.
The Tanzanian President who was honoured with an honorary Doctor Degree stated, virtually, that Tanzania as a country would collaborate with NSUK towards achieving positive objectives, adding that the honour done on her will never be taken for granted.
In a similar vein, Nasarawa State governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule; former national chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who doubles as pro-chancellor of Nasarawa State University Keffi (NSUK), Professor Attahiru Jega; Emir of Keffi, His Royal Highness, Dr Shehu Chindo Yamusa; president of the Nigerian-Arabian Gulf Chamber of Commerce, Dubai, UAE, Dr. Mahmood Ahmadu alongside many other dignitaries applauded the management of the university for the developmental strides they have recorded so far.
The personalities who made the assertions in their sperate speeches during the 8th combined convocation and silver jubilee of the university on Saturday at the Convention Square Arena of the university, also advised the graduating students to be good ambassadors of the university.
“You must bear in mind that as you are leaving this arena with your letters of credence as ambassadors of Nasarawa State University, it behooves on you to fly the banner of honour and integrity of your alma mater no matter the circumstances.
“You must go and build communities, the nation and humanity as a whole. As graduands of this university, you are expected to give back in equal measure and even much more in return to society”, Nasarawa State governor, Abdullahi Sule advised.
He stated that over the past seven years, his administration has embarked on transformative educational reforms, aimed at repositioning Nasarawa State as a hub of academic and research excellence, adding that by such gesture the state has achieved tremendously, academically.
On his part, the Emir of Keffi who doubles as the Chancellor of the university also said, “To you graduands, remember that academic excellence is not measured by certificates only, but by positive impact in society. The knowledge you have acquired is a trust; use it judiciously with wisdom, integrity and humility”.
“The governing council is resolute in its commitment to staff welfare, professional growth, and institutional stability. Council will also sustain industrial harmony, promote open dialogue with unions, and explore innovative funding mechanisms to enhance welfare packages.
“It is our firm belief that when staff are valued, respected, and supported, the university’s productivity and reputation will continue to soar”, Attahiru Jega said.
Also in her speech, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman said the 8th Combined Convocation graduated a grand total of 32,884 students across all the levels comprising of 1,677 PhDs, 8,169 for Masters, 2,809 Postgraduate Diplomas, 20,229 first degrees and 3 Honourary graduands, Honoris Causa.
Highlights of the ceremony includes: Convocation lecture delivered by Professor Patrick L. O Lumumba, Silver Jubilee Anniversary Lecture delivered by Dr. Umar B. Bindir, commissioning of projects, award of Honorary Degrees, Honoris Causa to three distinguished personalities amongst other activities.
Those honoured with the Honorary Doctor Degrees included: Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, founder and Chairman of BUA Group and Dr. Mahmood Ahmadu, President of the Nigeria-Arabian Gulf Chamber of Commerce, Dubai UAE.