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By Francis Nansak
In life, there are things that are stationed to shape and bring out the best in individuals who truly desire to excel in all spheres of life and impact the society positively.
Nasarawa State University, Keffi can be considered to be one of such. Estsblished 20 years ago, the institution has over the years grown to become an establishment that has produced men and women who are today adding value to the society.
Twenty years down the line the university held it’s sixth combined convocation ceremony, a week long event that features football novelty match between it teaching and none teaching staff. Prayers, presentation of books, lecture, conferment of doctorate degrees on some eminent Nigerians and the main convocation for first degree and post degree graduands.
The convocation ceremony that kicked-started on Monday and ended on Thursday had the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo in attendance as the special guest of honour.
Also, some respected Nigerians were honoured with doctorate degrees who included Senator Tanko Almakura, the immediate past governor of Nasarawa State, now senator representing Nasarawa South, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the President Dangote Group of Companies, Minister of Justice, Abubakar Mallami (SAN). Others are Mallam Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director NNPC, Mr Peter Okocha and Alhaji Ali Balarabe.
Delivering his speech, Vice President Osinbajo scored Nasarawa State University, Keffi high for sustaining excellence an academic impact.
The number two citizen of Nigeria Yemi Osinbajo,said Nasarawa State University has come a long was since it establishment,twenty years ago,as result of a purposeful and bold vision of the first civilian governor of the state,senator Abdullahi Adamu,now APC National chairman.
He continued by saying , the quality of the alumnia,speaks of the commitment to that vision, by the succeeding administrations,as well as the dedication of manage.ment and the staff of the university over the years.
“Graduates of this university have excelled in every field o human endeavours.And they have continued to do the university proud
“This includes but to mentioned a few,the immediate past vice chancellor,professor Mainoma Akarowhon is also the current president of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria. And Hajiya Ramatu Tijani Aliyu, the minister of state FCT who also recieved her masters in public administration from this university,” he said.
On his part, the Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, approved the release of N3bn TETFUND high impact fund aimed at the provision of enabling learning environment at the University.
The Governor promised to build on the legacies of his predecessors towards taking NSUK to enviable heights.
Using the opportunity of the event to highlight some of the achievements recorded by his administration, Engineer Sule emphasized that education remains the most enduring legacy that can be given to the children of the state, especially in view of the challenges confronting the nation.
According to him, “No amount of investment and sacrifice can be too much to provide quality education to our people.”
He explained that it was for this reason that his administration has accorded priority attention to education by allocating, not less than 26 and up to 35 percent of the state’s annual budget between 2019 and now.
“It may interest you to note that, in view of our passion, we continue to make personal donations for education. The Nasarawa State Government has approved the allocation of bail out funds to enable the institution pay staff salaries during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as donated the fertilizer blending plant to the faculty of agriculture of this institution.
“In addition, we facilitated the establishment of the faculty of engineering and college of medicine and health sciences which will commence full academic activities this year,” the Governor stated.
He however pointed out that the success of the university cannot be complete without mentioning the selfless contributions of the former VCs, particularly the pioneer VC, Prof Adamu Baike, who is presently the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the NSUK Governing Council.
The Governor congratulated the graduands, urging them to use their knowledge and skills acquired as potentials for accelerating their career development, as well as add value to the technological, industrial and socioeconomic development of the country.
Earlier in a welcome address, Vice Chancellor of the NSUK, Professor Suleiman Bala Mohammed, said the sixth combined convocation of the institution marks a significant milestone in the history of Nasarawa State university because it coincides with the university’s 20th anniversary.
In paying glowing tributes to the founding fathers and critical stakeholders of the university, the VC said the aim of establishing the university was essentially to provide the avenue for the indigenes of the state to pursue and acquire university education that will prepare the graduates and equip them with adequate skills needed for the development of the state and country at large.
In a vote of thanks on behalf of the six Nigerians confered with honorary doctorate degrees,Minister of Justice, thanked the management of the institution for finding them worthy of the recognition.
Malami noted that a better society is attainable through quality education, with a better educated society the surest quarantee to overcome the miriads of challenges Nigeria is currently facing.
Apex News Exclusive report that out of a total of 24,129 graduands,130 graduated with first class degrees,5,014 had second class upper degrees,15,749,with second class lower,while 2,926 third class and 81 pass degrees.
And for the post graduate level,a total of 10,034 were awarded doctorates, academic masters, professional masters and post graduate diploma degrees for 2016 to 2020 and 2021 academic sessios.
