Akoni TV For your Socio-Politcial, Business, Sport and Entertainment News
Related Articles
By Deborah Agbonika
The Kogi State governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has described education as the strongest pillar of human and national development, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening tertiary education in the state.
Governor Ododo made this declaration while delivering his address at the 7th Convocation Ceremony of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, his first convocation appearance as Visitor to the institution since assuming office.
He described the occasion as historic, noting that convocation ceremonies offer moments of reflection, celebration, and renewed commitment to the ideals that make education the engine of societal progress.
According to the Governor, nations are not built solely by physical infrastructure such as roads and bridges, but by enlightened, disciplined, and inspired minds, stressing that the true wealth of any society lies in knowledge, creativity, and human capacity.
Governor Ododo paid glowing tribute to the founder of the University, the late Prince Abubakar Audu, describing him as a visionary leader whose belief in education created a lasting legacy for Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
He noted that although Prince Abubakar Audu is no longer alive, his dream continues to thrive through the University’s lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and the aspirations of thousands of students who pass through the institution.
The Governor expressed pride in the steady growth of the University over the years, citing improvements in infrastructure, academic stability, expansion of academic programmes, strengthening of research culture, and a deliberate focus on quality teaching and learning.
He stated that the University has grown in stature and credibility within Nigeria’s academic space, adding that its progress is the result of vision, discipline, sacrifice, and purposeful leadership.
A major highlight of the address was the full reactivation and accreditation of the University’s MBBS programme after twelve years of stagnation. Governor Ododo described the development as a defining moment in the history of the institution.
He explained that beyond securing accreditation, the state government had taken deliberate steps to provide the necessary infrastructure, equipment, and human capital required to produce world-class medical professionals who would serve both existing and emerging health institutions.
Governor Ododo emphasized that access to education must go beyond admission, noting that his administration has sustained bursary schemes and other student-focused interventions to ensure that financial challenges do not prevent students from completing their studies.
He added that significant investments have been made to improve the physical environment of the University, including internal road networks and surrounding infrastructure, stressing that a university must function not only as a centre for lectures and examinations, but also as a community of ideas and creativity.
On campus safety, the Governor disclosed that security within and around the University has been significantly strengthened to provide a safe and peaceful learning environment for students and staff.
He also revealed that collaboration among the three state-owned universities has been enhanced to encourage the sharing of ideas, resources, research, and academic innovation, noting that the future of higher education lies in cooperation rather than isolation.
Governor Ododo acknowledged the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in implementing economic reforms that have improved resource availability for states, and commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for its visible impact on infrastructure, staff development, and research at the University.
He called on the Federal Government to continue strengthening TETFUND, describing it as a critical investment in Nigeria’s future.
Addressing the graduands, Governor Ododo charged them to uphold excellence, integrity, courage, and compassion, reminding them that they are ambassadors of Prince Abubakar Audu University and Kogi State wherever they go.
He congratulated award recipients and encouraged them to see the honour as a challenge to do more in service to society.
The Governor commended the Vice Chancellor, management, academic and non-academic staff of the University for their commitment to excellence, describing their efforts as the foundation of the institution’s growing legacy.
Governor Ododo also expressed appreciation to the University management for the award conferred on him, dedicating it to his predecessors and the people of Kogi State for their support.
He assured the University community of his administration’s unwavering support and congratulated the graduands on the successful completion of their studies, wishing them bold journeys, big dreams, and lasting impact.
Earlier, the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Ibrahim Abdul Aguye, said the university had recorded remarkable progress in recent years, including 100 per cent accreditation of all academic programmes for the past five years.
He said that new programmes have been introduced, faculties unbundled, and a conducive learning and working environment created, particularly in the area of campus security. He commended the state government for reviving the MBBS programme and for its continued support.
Professor Aguye also praised the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Marietu Ohunene Tenuche, for her focused, transparent, and people-oriented leadership, noting that staff welfare and institutional stability improved significantly under her tenure.
In her address, Professor Tenuche noted that a total of 26,160 first-degree graduates were produced across five academic sessions covered by the convocation, while 1,139 postgraduate students graduated, including PhD, Master’s, and PGD holders.
She said the number of degree-awarding programmes increased from 46 to 64 during her administration, representing about 40 per cent growth.
She highlighted security, work ethics, and staff and student welfare as key pillars of her leadership, noting that no security incident involving gunshots had been recorded on campus since 2020.
Professor Tenuche also acknowledged the role of TETFund, security agencies, host communities, and the state government in the university’s growth.
As part of activities marking the convocation, Governor Ododo inspected and Inaugurated several projects on campus, including Patrick Adaba Road, named after the late former Deputy Governor of Kogi State.
