_…Unizik Don emerges best graduating student in Diploma
A total of three hundred and eighty three students in various disciplines have graduated from Paul University, Awka during the 4th Convocation and inaugural lecture ceremony.
The event, which took place on Friday 6th Oct 2023, at University Hall also saw His Grace Most Reverend Henry C. Ndukuba, the Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion) installed as the Chancellor of the University and award of Honorary Doctorate Degree, first degree and diploma.
In his remark, Most Reverend Ndukuba who recounted the history of the University, pointed out that religion has always been the nursery of education and enlightenment and that the church gave birth to great universities of the world and now Paul University.
Ndukuba said he believes strongly that Paul University will be a shinning star in the firmament of Nigerian education sector and called for government partnership.
The Prelate charged the graduands to always remember the word of God and delight themselves in him, be good ambassadors of the church and the institution.
Archibishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma who is also the Proprietor of the university, disclosed that they have put in their best to sustain the vision of the founding fathers of the institution, expressed hope that inspite of all odds it will survive even as he wished the graduands a very successful and pleasant future.
The Pro-Chancellor, Engr Chris Okoye noted that the convocation is an evidence of a lot efforts the institution has put in place to become the best and urged the graduands to always remember the vision of the school and remain worthy representatives of the university wherever they find themselves.
In his welcome address, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Ven. Prof. Obiora Nwosu recounted the discouraging condition of the university before he assumed office,which had three faculties before but today has seven faculties with people surging to the institution which he said has great future.
In his goodwill message, the Presidential Candidate of Labour party, Mr Peter Obi said the problem with Nigerian universities is the thinking that they can only survive on fees from students saying universities can create wealth through investing in agriculture and urged Paul University to move to its permanent site at Oji River where it will have agricultural potentials assuring them that he would be part of the movement.
The Convocation Lecturer, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo spoke on the topic ,”Management of Private universities in Nigeria, problems and prospects”, said the coming of private universities have expanded the horizon of education in Nigeria providing students with arrays of choices and ensuring that the students are not only job ready but world ready.
Speaking on the sideline of the event, a Business Education lecturer in the Department of Technology and Vocational Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Awka, who is the best graduating student in the Postgraduate/Professional Diploma in Journalism and Media Studies programme of the University, Dr. Gabriel Chidiebere Alonta, while expressing gratitude to God, said, “After dedicating over seven years to the field of journalism, I am thrilled to announce a significant milestone in my career journey.
With careful consideration and a deep commitment to professional growth, I have successfully earned a postgraduate/professional diploma certificate in journalism and media studies.
“Worthy to note too is that I graduated with a Distinction/First Class, and as the Best Graduating Student. I dedicate this latest feat to my students (past and present).
To my students, I want you to know that this achievement is a reflection of what you can accomplish when you set your mind to it. Let it be a symbol of inspiration and motivation for you to strive for greatness in your own academic pursuits.
.