The Governing Council and management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN) has been applauded by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan on their effort in advancing scholarship and promoting infrastructure development in the University.
Speaking during the 42nd convocation ceremony of the University of Nigeria, recently, the President noted with delight the infrastructure facelift in the University, and remarked that such feat would not have been possible without prudent use of available resources by the current University administration led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Bartho Okolo.
"Let me also congratulate the Governing Council and management of the University for its notable achievements within the context of enhanced government support to the educational sector since the beginning of this administration. The ongoing infrastructural development in the University are quite commendable. They could not have been achieved without prudent management of resources.
"With the success UNN has achieved, I need not overemphasize the need for other institutions of higher learning to emulate this good model, for accelerating the planning and development of their institutions. As one of Nigeria's oldest Universities, UNN should continue to lead the way towards better standards of teaching, administration and research", he said
The president, who was represented by the Secretary, National University Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, commended the rise of Nigeria universities in global ranking; he urged them to continue in their effort, stating that more needed to be done in the areas of research and technology innovations.
Further, President Jonathan maintained that education was pivotal to the economic and social development of the country, he added that the strength and potentials of Nigerian population can only be taped when the people are educated.
He therefore reiterated the commitment of his administration to prioritizing education and ensuring that more Nigerians have access to quality education at all levels.
While congratulating over 19,000 graduating students of the University, the president also congratulated four distinguished Nigerians who were conferred with honorary Doctorate Degrees of the University. He expressed hope that the degrees would strengthen the recipients' relationship with the University and enhance their contribution to national development.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Bartho Okolo, reported that 1,730 graduands were conferred with higher degrees and post graduate diplomas, while 18,150 graduands were awarded first degrees and diploma certificates at the 42nd Convocation ceremony of the University.
Prof Okolo also announced that the University had taken advantage of its viable collaborations with over 40 reputable institutions across the world to train its young academics overseas at little or no cost.
On the state of infrastructure at the University, Prof Okolo said that some new projects which were stated two years ago had been completed, including 83- bedroom International Scholars Village, Presidential Guest Houses, Shell Centre for Environmental Management and Control (CEMAC), among others.
He added that the Department of Economics, Personnel Services Department, Students' Multi-activity complex and Public Relations building were at their last stages of completion.
The Vice-Chancellor also said that the University was utilising her ubiquitous internet infrastructure to interface with teaching and learning. According to him, Hitachi Interactive Smart Boards and Projectors are being installed in classrooms and laboratories, while the University had signed a contract with Blackboard Company to develop an e-learning platform and online programmes of the University.
Prof Okolo acknowledged the benevolence of government, corporate organisations, alumni and good spirited individuals to the University, but said, like Oliver Twist, the University "needs some more".
Inya Agha E.
Via: University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)