Seek greener pastures abroad, UNN VC advises graduands
The Vice-Chancellor, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN) Prof. Charles Arizechukwu Igwe has advised graduands to seek opportunities abroad, even while emphasising the benefits of education.
He made this statement during the 51st convocation ceremony of the institution held at Margaret Ekpo convocation arena in which the institution awarded a total of 11, 494 bachelors degrees and 1,548 postgraduate degrees (doctorates, masters and diplomas).
In his words “Things may not seem as good as before, but I am in a position to tell you that there are still opportunities for you all to excel in life.
Fortunately, the degrees and diplomas you have earned today are recognized and valued across the globe. With globalisation, the world has become even smaller and this has created many more opportunities in other countries and nothing should stop you from seeking greener pastures abroad.”
He also stated that the unemployment situation in the country should not be a cause for alarm, citing Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the current CEO of Fidelity bank PLC and former inspector general of police, Ogbonna Onovo, both alumni of the University who broke through barriers with the degrees they earned.
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The Vice-Chancellor described Mrs. Onyeali-Ikpe and IGP Onovo as “two eminent Nigerians who have excelled and distinguished themselves in their chosen careers, as well as in their services to the country and humanity.”
The V.C further challenged the graduands to go further and create businesses and job opportunities for themselves and others. He said, “the courses you took on entrepreneurship have also trained you to become innovators and job creators who can make bigger impacts in the society.”
In his speech, he described education as a means to refine character for the purpose of build a better society. Affirming the reason degrees of the institution are awarded to only those who have been found worthy in character and learning.
Noting that the implication of this is that graduates of the institution must live up to the highest standards as educated and civil members of the society.
Prof Igwe went on to describe the 51st Convocation as another rich harvest of degrees and certificates, marking a milestone in the steady growth and development of the university.
He congratulated the class of 2021, expressing that they truly deserve to be celebrated. He also extended felicitations to the parents of the graduates, acknowledging the role they played in supporting their children throughout their time in school.
Prof Charles appreciated the dedication of both the teaching and non-teaching staff of the university, recognizing their hard work in ensuring the production of another cohort of competent graduates with relevant skills.
Consequently, Prof. Igwe urged the graduands to be ambassadors of UNN. He asked that they try to stand out in the society and always strive for excellence in whatever they do.
In line with the tradition of the institution, Mrs Onyeali-Ikpe and IGP Onovo were conferred with honorary doctorate degrees, Doctor of Business Administration and Doctor of Public Administration respectively.
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Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, a native of Anambra State, earned a law degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She has served in various sectors of the Nigerian Banking Sector and was appointed as the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank in December 2020.
IGP Ogbonna Onovo (Rtd), an indigene of Anambra, obtained a B.Sc. in Political Science from the University in 1976. He served in the Nigerian Police Force, eventually retiring as the Inspector General of Police in 2010.
By Joshua Eesuola and Stephen Adeeyo
