As part of the activity marking the 11th Convocation Ceremonies, Nnamdi Azikiwe University has conferred Honorary degree awards on three Nigerians, Chief Senator Ken Nnamani, GCON, (Degree of Doctor of Public Administrator), Ambassador, Alhaji Shehu Malami, OFR, CON (Degree of Doctor of Public Administration) and Mr. Clem Nwogbo (Degree of Doctor of Business Administration). The event also featured award of Higher Degrees to other graduands.
The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwuka applauded the University Management for the annual Convocation. He congratulated the graduands, while urging them to utilize their energy for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Creativity. Also speaking, Prof. Anwuka congratulated the honorary awardees and charged them not to relent in the good works that earned them the award.
The Chancellor, Da Jacob Gyang Buba, CON thanked all present, and congratulated the three eminent Nigerians on whom the honorary degree of the University were conferred. He stated that they have distinguished themselves through their unwavering commitment of selfless service to Nigeria. To the graduands, he said, they are now empowered with relevant knowledge with which to contribute to the development of the society.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku, FAS in his speech congratulated the graduands and the honorary degree awardees. He said the administration’s participatory and transparent leadership style has impacted positively on various facts of University operations so much so that its positive outcomes are becoming evident even to outside bodies.
In terms of academic activities, Prof. Ahaneku said measures are instituted for improving the undergraduate and postgraduate students’ intake, by monitoring the teaching-learning process and promoting research. He noted avenues through which the University has implored to enhance employment, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills acquisition. He stated that laurels and awards won by the university students’, linkages and research, and infrastructural development were not left out. Prof. Ahaneku emphasized on them respectively. He thanked all those who have been benefactors to the University, while promising better years ahead in the University.
In his responds, Sen. Ken. Nnamani who spoke on behalf of the award recipients, thanked the Vice-Chancellor and the management for finding them worthy of the honorary award. He commended Prof. Ahaneku for his visionary leadership which has taken UNIZIK to an enviable height. Sen. Nnamani congratulated UNIZIK for a successful 11th Convocation and promised to partner with the University in any way possible to move it forward.
The event witnessed the presence of Senators, Governors of Enugu State, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha, visiting Vice-Chancellors, former DVCs, Royal Fathers, Deans, Directors, HODs, Staff, Students, well-wishers and friends of the University.
