From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting Phoenix University, Agwada, to achieve world-class status as a tertiary institution.
The governor made the pledge on Monday during the honorary degree award ceremony and investiture of Nigerian businessman Dr. Muhammadu Indimi as the university’s first Chancellor. The event also marked the matriculation of 260 pioneer students at the institution in Kokona Local Government Area.
Governor Sule described the establishment of Phoenix University as a milestone for the state, emphasizing his administration’s efforts to foster its growth. He highlighted several initiatives, including scholarships for 92 indigenous students and the completion of the Kokona Junction-Agwada road leading to the university.
“Nasarawa State is not one of the wealthiest states. For us to have given scholarships to 92 indigenous students, we want them to be the best. This is the first indigenous university in the state, and if the government does not support it, no one else should,” Sule said.
The governor, who also reflected on his humble background, added: “I was on scholarship throughout my university education. Therefore, I have no reason not to give scholarships. By the grace of God, this university will grow to become a global institution.”
Sule commended Senator Abdullahi Adamu, the founder and Visitor of the university, for his vision and efforts in establishing the institution, describing the development as a significant step for education in Nasarawa State.
Senator Adamu, a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed optimism about the university’s role in producing graduates with global relevance.
“Our vision is to train graduates who, like the mythical phoenix bird, will leave this campus with a passion to invent new methods of doing things globally. This university will not just train students for local operations but for global influence,” Adamu said.
He also assured Governor Sule that the scholarship beneficiaries would be well-trained to contribute meaningfully to the state and nation.
Prof. Abdullahi Bala, Vice-Chancellor of Phoenix University, lauded Dr. Indimi for accepting to serve as Chancellor and noted the university’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
He said, “The Council and Senate have conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (DHLitts.) Honoris Causa on Dr. Muhammadu Indimi for his exemplary contributions to business, education, and philanthropy.”
Bala urged the pioneer students to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the institution, including a conducive learning environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and a dynamic curriculum designed to meet 21st-century demands.
“Our curriculum is structured to ensure graduates leave with at least three certificates: one for their course of study, another for entrepreneurship and innovation, and a third for professional certification,” he said.
Sun reports that the university’s 260 inaugural students have been admitted into three faculties: Computing and Technology, Natural and Applied Agricultural Sciences, and Social and Management Sciences.