By Einstein Chukwu.
Coal City University, Enugu, beamed with pride on Saturday as it hosted its 1st convocation ceremony. The occasion marked a significant milestone, with 33 First Class graduates, 209 Second Class Upper Division achievers, 234 Second Class Lower Division standouts, and 26 Third Class Honors recipients from the Class of 2020 to 2023. Adding to the grandeur, honorary degrees were conferred upon eminent personalities.
The ceremony witnessed a historic gathering, with luminaries such as Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Mrs. Grace Umezurike, and the Governor of Enugu State, represented by SSG Prof. Chidebere Onyia. Dignitaries included the former Governor of Old Anambra State, Dr. Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo, his wife Lady Pat Nwobodo, the Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Ugwu, Deputy Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedu Onah, Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Omari Omaka (SAN), Former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidioka – Convocation Lecturer, Former Minister of Mines and Street, Hon. Chief Goddy Ogbaga and Former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Chief Frank Nweke Junior, among others.
The highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of an Honorary Degree in Public Administration (DPA) Honoris Causa on Governor Nwifuru. The recognition hailed his exceptional qualities and achievements as the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly. The award also underscored his contributions to corporate governance, ethical leadership, and overall outstanding performance in steering Ebonyi State towards progress and development.
Addressing the assemblage during the conferment ceremony, the Chancellor of the University, Chief Chinedu Ani, praised Governor Nwifuru for his distinguished career and service to humanity. The Chancellor acknowledged the Governor’s significant contributions, making him a worthy recipient of the prestigious honorary degree.
“In recognition of his qualities and extraordinary achievements as Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, I most respectfully request you, by the authority of Council and Senate of Coal City University, to award the Degree of Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) Honoris Causa,” Chancellor Chinedu Ani proclaimed.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Nwifuru expressed gratitude to the University for the esteemed recognition. He acknowledged the rigorous selection process and accepted the Honorary Degree with pleasure, extending warm regards to the management of Coal City University and the people of Enugu State for the honour.
Dr. Nwifuru commended the University for its commitment, growth, and achievements within a short span. He urged the graduating students to remain focused in life and not be swayed by life’s challenges.
“To the graduands, you are leaving the University to a more complicated world, a more challenging society. In all your endeavours, do not lose focus on who you are and where you come from. Do not allow the adversity of society to distract you,” Dr. Nwifuru emphasized.
Presenting the citation of Dr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru during the 1st Convocation Ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of Coal City University, Enugu, Prof. Afam Ituma, highlighted Dr. Nwifuru’s academic background and political journey. An alumnus of Ebonyi State University and Salford University, Manchester, UK, Dr. Nwifuru’s legislative prowess was crucial in bringing accelerated development to Ebonyi State.
Professor Ituma lauded Dr. Nwifuru’s recent election as the 4th Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, citing the remarkable talents and experience he brought to governance, sustaining a legacy of excellence in service delivery.
Other notable recipients of honorary degrees at the ceremony included Lady Pat Nwobodo, the wife of the former Governor of Old Anambra State, who was conferred with a Doctorate of Banking and Finance (Honoris Causa) from Coal City University. The event marked a significant milestone, honoring individuals whose contributions have left an indelible mark on society.
The ceremony, a testament to academic excellence and recognition of outstanding contributions to society, marked a pivotal moment in Coal City University’s history and affirmed the institution’s commitment to nurturing leaders and trailblazers.
Einstein Chukwu
Public Relations Officer, Cabinet Office.