The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has described education as the cornerstone of national development, stating that it must be responsive and transformative for accelerated development to occur in the country.
President Tinubu made this remark in his goodwill message at the 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremony of the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, over the weekend.
Represented at the event by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill, the President noted that his administration is aware of the challenges facing the nation and assured that the government is committed to overcoming these challenges and implementing measures to mitigate their impact, especially on the vulnerable.
He congratulated Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, who received a Doctorate Degree (Ph.D) in Public Administration during the convocation ceremony.
In his remarks, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, paid glowing tribute to his late wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno, saying her encouragement and support propelled him through his academic journey.
“I remember when I met her in the hospital a week before she passed on, and she told me, ‘Please don’t fail to go and complete your program, and I will be there with you during your graduation.’
“Today, even though she is not physically here, I can feel her presence through our children who are here,” Governor Eno said.
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The Governor described his graduation with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Public Administration as a testament to perseverance and faith in the unending and unchangeable possibilities that exist if one truly believes.
He acknowledged that his life has been one of sheer grace and faith in the immutable plans of God, which is reflected in his decision to run a people-centric government, encapsulated in the ARISE Agenda.
He explained that initiatives such as the free food voucher scheme, compassionate homes, building world-class primary health centers, the ARISE Elderly Care Initiative, Dedicated Ambulance Services, free and compulsory education programs, student grants, and other life-changing programs stem from his commitment to impacting lives.
Governor Eno commended President Tinubu for his dedication to economic growth and transforming Nigeria into an economic powerhouse in Africa.
He took the occasion to rally support for the Tinubu-led Federal Government, expressing optimism that its economic policies would yield the desired results despite current challenges.
Governor Eno particularly praised the Minister of Education, Dr. Murufu Olatunji Alausa; the Chancellor of the University, Emir of Hadejia, His Highness, Alhaji Adamu Maje, CON; the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Zubairu Abdallah; and the Management and Staff of the institution, led by Vice Chancellor Professor Nyaudoh Ndaeyo, for their efforts in making the University of Uyo one of the most sought-after universities in Nigeria.
The Governor also expressed gratitude to his supervisor, Professor Basil Onuoha, for his patience and encouragement, and thanked other lecturers who contributed to his success.
He pledged his commitment to good governance and urged other graduates to be good ambassadors of the institution.
The convocation ceremony, which concluded with a banquet at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, featured messages of felicitation from the Deputy Governor of the State, Senator (Dr.) Akon Eyakenyi, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, and Professor Onuoha, as well as the cutting of a cake. Former Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, proposed the toast.
and then