IN THE NEWS: GOV EMMANUEL CHARGES UNIUYO ON SCIENCE AND TECH CURRICULUM
…Donates N100m for devt projects
……………Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, has charged the University of Uyo management team to re-jig the institution’s science curriculum to bridge the technological gap and enhance the economic growth of the nation.
The Governor who was was among dignitaries at the 24th Convocation Ceremony of the University, pointed out that Nigerian Universities have a role in achieving sustainable democracy, explaining that producing graduates vested in science and technology would contribute to economic development which, would in turn, strengthened democracy.
According to the Governor, “Democracy and Economic growth work hand in hand, democracy cannot flourish without the corresponding economic growth and prosperity. In as much as liberal sciences remain the defining blocks of understanding the realities of our social relations, we should begin to tailor our curriculum around the areas of science and technology”.
While donating N100m to enhance development projects in the institution, he commended the governing council and staff of the University for maintaining the passion for academic excellence which the institution is known for, asserting that Uniuyo has become one of the most sought-after tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
He congratulated the graduands on their success, and urged them to exhibit the glowing tendencies inculcated in them during their study at the University, hoping that the knowledge they acquired would place them in advantaged positions to successfully compete with their contemporaries while projecting them as worthy ambassadors of their institution.
He reteirated his administration’s commitment to qualitative education, saying that it is one of the cardinal responsibilities of the state government and maintained that the huge investment in the education sector is justified as a social debt to the people.
The Governor restated that Primary and Secondary School education remains free in Akwa Ibom State, noting that students in tertiary institutions are also accommodated in generous grants from the state government and acknowledged his administration’s efforts at providing conducive learning environment for pupils and students in public schools.
He said that it was his believe that students in public schools should be given the same educational opportunity as their contemporaries in the private schools, indicating that it was the conviction that prompted the huge expense and employment of qualitative teachers for public educational institutions in the state.
The Convocation Ceremony, preceded with a Lecture on the theme, “Creating a World-class University For A Vibrant Nigerian Economy and Sustainable Democracy”, held at the Institution’s Convocation Arena, Main Campus, Nwaniba Road, Uyo.
A total of 4,539 graduands were awarded various Degrees, Certificates and Diplomas, comprising 631 Higher Degrees, 3,678 First Degrees and 230 Diplomas and Certificates.
The University also conferred a Post-humus Honorary Degree of Doctor of Medicine on Dr. Ann Ward, an Irish Missionary who devoted 50 years of her life at Saint Luke’s Hospital, Anua, to saving the lives of women with pelvic deformities caused by complicated births and later built the Vesico-Vaginal Fistula, VVF, Centre at Mbribit Itam, Akwa Ibom State, which became the sole centre for obstetric fistula operations in the South South and South East of Nigeria.
Presenting his address, the Vice Chancellor, VC, of the University, Professor Enefiok Essien, said that the ceremony was the second to be organized during his tenure, having held the first last year, saying that it has afforded him the opportunity to assess his progress as well as project into the second half of his administration as the VC of the institution.
Professor Essien hinted that shortly after assuming office in 2015, the University, under his leadership, embarked on completion of physical development projects initiated by the former VC and execution of new ones, including the construction of a new office complex for the Department of Communication Arts, at the Main Campus of the University.
The VC further rolled out other infrastructure development projects undertaken in the University, expressing appreciation to Governor Emmanuel and wife, Martha, for initiating the ongoing construction of a world-class Engineering Complex, funded by Exxonmobil and constructing and equipping of an Arts Gallery of international standard, the Professor Stella Idiong Arts Gallery, which was commissioned in the University, by the Governor, early this year.
He also acknowledged that the University has received full accreditation for all its courses, following two streams of visits by teams from the National Universities Commission, NUC, between the last convocation and the present, emphasizing, “I can announce with pleasure that the University has a hundred percent accreditation status for all its programmes”.
Essien noted the improvement in the welfare of staff of the institution, the peaceful disposition of the Staff and Student Unions of the University as well as the appointments, awards and recognition accorded members of the University community, applauding the graduating students on their successful completion of academic pursuits in the institution.
Other dignitaries at the occasion included the representative of the President of Nigeria, I. U. Yakasai, the State Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, the Chancellor of the University, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Adamu Maje, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Austin Awujo, former Governor of the state, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga, the Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, who received the posthumous doctorate award on Dr. Ann Ward, Mr. Sean Hoy, the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem and members of the State Executive Council.
Evelyn-A. B. Ibanga (Govt. House)
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