Gov. Fintiri, Brutai, Ezeobi, Others in Attendance, As MAU Holds Combined Convocation

By Izunna Okafor

The Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola, has held her 24th, 25th and 26th combined convocation ceremonies of the institution for the award of Certificates, Diplomas, First and Higher Degrees and Prizes to the deserving graduands.

The convocation proper, which held on Saturday, 23rd October, saw the joyful convoking of twelve thousand eight hundred and sixty-six graduated students, covering the 2017/2018, 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 academic years, as convocations were not held in the institution in the past three years, due unforseen circumstances, including the ASUU strike and coronavirus outbreak, among others.

Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion were the Executive Governor of Adamawa State, H.E. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri; Minister of State for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba; former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Brutai; Chancellor of the University, Okuku Uwa Umoh Adiaka; Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdullahi Liman Tukur.

Others include the Pro-Chancellor of the University, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, who is also the Chairman, Governing Council of the University; as well as other members of the Governing Council, Hon. Paul Ezeobi, who was also the Candidate of the All Progressive Congress for the 2019 House of Assembly Candidate for Nnewi South Constituency 2; Dr. Benjamin Asharver, Alh Abubakar Umar Daji, and Ali Ibrahim Dogarai.

Speaking at the ceremony, State Minister for Education, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba who congratulated the graduands charged them to use the great knowledge they acquired at the institution to fulfill their desire and contribute to the development of the nation; even as he advised them to take the advantage of the various entrepreneurial skills and schemes initiated by President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration, so as to become self-reliant.

In his speech, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri disclosed that Modibbo Adama University, since its establishment in 1981, has maintained standard and has been a centre for research and development; while also assuring that his administration's continued partnership and support to the University.

On his own part, the Chancellor Modibbo Adama University, Yola, HRM Okuku Uwa Umoh Adiaka III, who is also paramount ruler of Obot Akara LGA of Akwa Ibom State commended the management and staff of the university for maintaining high standards at all time; congratulated the graduating students for successfully passing all courses in the university, encouraged them to be up to date in living in a world of global challenges, face the realities of the nation's challenges with solutions not complaints and learn to use skills they learnt during their study.
 
Contributing, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Wazirin Dutse, Alh. Bashir M. Dalhatu commended the Senate and Management of the university for their tireless efforts in keeping the academic calendar despite the challenging situation of 2020 ASUU strike and COVID 19 pandemic.

Earlier in his convocation lecture delivered on 22nd October lecture, and titled “The Nigerian Front in the War on Terror: Security or Development”, Nigeria’s current ambassador to Benin Republic and immediate-past Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd) explained that any country that does not ensure the development of its people is bound to have security challenges.

According to him, anyone who only relies only on the military and other instruments of coercion to resolve an insurgency such as Boko Haram terrorism is bound to continue to suffer insecurity.

He said, “We should not rely on the military option as the only way to resolve our security challenges. We must address the ideological, economic, social, and political factors.

“My recent diplomatic foray has further sharpened my views on the urgent need for military, as well as non-military solution to the lingering and needless conflict.”

Buratai also said that the situation required synergy, political will, sacrifice and commitment of government, civil society, traditional rulers and all stakeholders to curtail the sporadic attacks and bring the conflict to a permanent conclusion.

The convocation ceremony also featured remarks goodwill messages from the guests, including Hon. Paul Ezeobi, who is also a leader and stalwart of All Progressive Congress in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.