Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Kwararafa University Wukari, Taraba State, has conferred honorary doctorate degrees on Chief David Sabo Kente (DSK), Former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu and the paramount traditional ruler, the Atah-Igala, Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche, Chairman, Kogi State Traditional Council.
The conferment of the degrees was held on Saturday at the premises of the university during the 2nd combined 2017-2024 convocation ceremony of the university.
Speaking during the ceremony, Taraba State Governor Dr Agbu Kefas represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, congratulated the graduands, adding that they have just started.
“You have achieved the Degree of your dream.
“Education is the corner stone of development that is why the present administration made it free from Primary to Secondary Schools and slash tuition fee for Tertiary institutions in the state.
He urge them to use their experience anywhere they found themselves.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Kwararafa University, Professor Shishi Zhema Congratulate the award recipients and appreciated their support to the University and achievements in various fields of endeavours.
“This is a historic moment as it marks the second conversation in the University”s life since March, 2027.
He reminded the awardees of their responsibilities that the honours come with.
He apologize for the delay that graduands faced in receiving their certificates.
According to him, the University through the National Universities Commission have achieved the accreditation of all academic programes and enhance development of both the city and main campuses.
“Our goal is to build a vibrant academic community that can adapt and innovate in response to emerging challenges.
He appreciated Taraba State Governor Dr Agbu Kefas for his support to the University.
“I want to also express my gratitude to Chief David Sabo Kente, Engr. Andrew Yakubu and the Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya for their support and survival of the University.
The Vice Chancellor, commend the awardees for their achievements in various aspects of human endeavors and remind them of the responsibilities the honors came with.
On his part, the Chancellor Kwararafa University and the paramount traditional ruler of Igala Land, Ata Igala, HRM Mathew Alaji Opaluwa Oguche, Akpa II, Represented by the Agohi – Oni Anyigba (Doga), congratulated the graduands and urge them to be good ambassadors of the University anywhere they found themselves.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, Chief Dr. David Sabo Kente (DSK), said:
“On behalf of my self and two other awardees thank the Kwararafa University and the University community for giving us this award.
“The Igala people are part of Kwararafa Kingdom, so giving us this award together with the Ata Igala is a great honor to us.
“I want to appreciate Governor Dr Agbu Kefas for been present here through his Deputy.
He advise the awardees to know that the honor comes with challenges, adding that the country is in need of development.
In his remarks, Mr Yakubu, who is also the Pro Chancellor of the institution, said he is proud to be a descendant of the great Kwararafa Kingdom.
He urged the graduates to be proud of being products of the first Africa community University with rich cultural history.
Yakubu then announced a donation of N10 million for the establishment of a department in the University for the study of Kwararafa history.
Speaking, the Visitor to the University and the paramount traditional ruler of Kwararafa Kingdom, the Aku – Uka of Wukari, Ishaku Adda Ali Matakhiswen describe the day as anticipation for the feature of the graduands.
“Each of you have embark on journey that you have spend years in Libraries, Laboratories, today is not the conclusion, but the beginning.
“The world is full of challenges, carry out what you learned to establish your selves, seek knowledge and solutions to them.
“I therefore extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, for your hard work that brought you to this level – he said.
On his part, the Chairman Governing Board of the University, and Former Deputy of the state, Dr. Danjuma Gani congratulate the graduands.
“Today is a day to celebrate your hard work and the challenges you have passed through and you have overcome them.
“I have no doubt in my mind that each of you have been equipped to succeed.
“I want to appreciate members of the Board for their mentorship, we are grateful for your contribution – he said.