From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has said that graduates of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) would contribute contribute in the nation’s drive to restore the dignity of man.
Ooni, who is the Chancellor of UNN
said this in Nsukka on Friday during the institution’s 52nd Convocation ceremony for the award of Bachelor’s Degrees and Diplomas for the 2021/2022 academic session.
He said that the University of Nigeria has remained a breeding ground for a quality and dependable workforce which is needed for the development of the country.
“I am happy that the University of Nigeria has remained a good breeding ground for a good quality and dependable workforce which we need to develop our country and the world in general.
“I am also confident that our latest graduates are equally quality-assured, well-motivated and would contribute to our drive to restore the dignity of man,” he said.
Speaking further, Ooni who was represented on the occasion by Prof. Charles Igwe, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, urged the new graduates to make their personal commitment to the development of the country.
“As we all know, our country is going through a very challenging phase, and all hands must be on deck if we must overcome the challenges.
“As Lions and Lionesses, you should not be discouraged by these challenges.
“So today, I urge all the new graduates to make a personal commitment to play a role in the development of our country, you can do this by becoming a job creator and help address the problem of unemployment,” he said.
The chancellor noted that the 52nd convocation would be the last convocation to be organized by Igwe as VC as his tenure would wind down in few weeks from now.
“I warmly want to congratulate the University Management under his watch for maintaining the standards which the university is known for,” Ooni said.
Earlier in his address, Prof Igwe announced that out of 12,526 graduates, 252 bagged first-class honours.
“Out of 12,526 graduates, 250 bagged first class honours, 4,834 made second class honours (Upper division), 5,883 second class honours (Lower division) while 747 will go home with third class honours and 25 graduates made pass.
“As you know the unclassified degrees are awarded to graduates of such courses as Medicine, Pharmacy, and veterinary medicine which are not classified as first, second, and third class,” he said.
The VC said he was hopeful that the graduates would use the degrees and Diplomas earned to serve as visas to brighten their future, good careers, and better lives.
“Graduates of our university are expected to be of the highest standard in society having been found worthy in character and learning.
“You have now joined the elite club of alumni as you now have a duty to contribute to your alma mater in particular and the country in general,” he said.
The VC whose tenure would end in June urged the graduates not to allow prevailing hard economic condition and high rate of unemployment in the country to dampen their mood.
“I know you have plenty of opportunities to make success here in the country and outside the country with your certificate from UNN that has earned a good name nationally and internationally.
“Feel free to acquire additional skills and certificates that will improve your chances of getting a grip of the job market as well as make the best of opportunities present,” he said.
Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Nnebedum, the Registrar of the University announced Ejiofor Chizoba Victor, from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, with a CGPA of 4.93 (Distinction) as the overall best graduating student for the 2021/2022 academic session.