By HILARY AKALUGWU

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s resolve to reposition Nigerian Universities to adjust to the ever-changing demands of modern day world.

Tinubu made the assertion in Nsukka on Saturday in a message to the 52nd Convocation of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) for the award of postgraduates degrees, diplomas and honorary doctorate degrees to four distinguished Nigerians.

He said to achieve this, his administration would continue to address the issues of funding for both research and infrastructural development in universities.

“In recognition of the very important roles being played by universities in research and manpower development, my administration will continue to reposition Nigerian universities to enable them to adjust ever-changing demands of the modern-day world.

“My administration will continue to address the issue of funding both for research and infrastructural development to encourage impactful education that will bring about sustainable development,” he said.

Tinubu was represented by the Director of University Education in the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Rakiya Ilyasu.

The president however, said he would in return demand prudence and accountability in the management and utilisation of funds released to universities.

“I will always demand prudence and accountability on funds released to universities in the country by my government.

“I will also demand stability and harmony in universities, so that the era of disruption caused by prolonged industrial actions will be a thing of the past,” he said.

The president congratulated those who earned postgraduate higher degrees and urged them to use it in finding solutions to challenges facing the country.

He also felicitated with those awarded honorary doctorate degrees and Emeritus Professors urging them to see the honour and recognition as something that would spur them to do more for UNN and humanity.

In a remark, the Ooni of Ife, and Chancellor of UNN, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, urged the graduands and honorary awardees to remain good ambassadors of the university, by playing a bigger role in uniting the country.

Earlier in a remark, Prof Charles Igwe, the Vice-Chancellors of UNN disclosed that 1,438 postgraduate degrees and diplomas were awarded at the Convocation.

“412 persons were awarded the Doctorate degree (Ph.D), 951 students received the Master’s Degrees in different disciplines, while 75 students received postgraduate diplomas.

“I, therefore, extend my congratulations to all graduands who have survived the rigour required to earn the postgraduate degrees of UNN; you should also be proud of yourselves because you have been found worthy in character and in learning,” he said.

Igwe announced that the convocation would be his last as the VC of the UNN as his tenure would end in June.

Those awarded the honorary doctorate degrees were Sir Emeka Offor, Chief Executive Officee Officer of Chrome Group of Companies, Doctor of Business Administration and Brig. Gen. J.O.J Okoloagu (Rtd), an alumnus of UNN – Doctor of Public Administration.

Others are, Prof. El Anatsui, a globally acclaimed Sculptor who spent his entire academic career in UNN for Doctor of Letters, and Mr. Igo Weli, a Director at the Shell Petroleum Development Company, Doctor of Public Administration.

Meanwhile, two former Vice-Chancellors of UNN, Prof Bartholomew Okolo and Prof. Benjamin Ozumba were among 10 retired Professors of the UNN elevated to the status of “Professor Emeritus”. (NAN)

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