BY JIMITOTA ONOYUME

PORT HARCOURT – President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that his administration will give special attention to development of university education in the country.
The president who spoke weekend at the 30th convocation ceremony of the University of Port Harcourt harped on the value of education in national development.

Represented by the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Universities Commission, Professor Julius Okojie the President said the federal government would support universities to improve learning, teaching and research facilities.

Nigerian President Mohammadu Buhari swears to an oath during his inauguration at the Eagles Square in Abuja, on May 29, 2015. Buhari, 72, defeated Goodluck Jonathan in March 28 elections — the first time in Nigeria’s history that an opposition candidate had beaten a sitting president. AFP

He recalled effort in the past by the federal government to strengthen university education through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFUND, adding that universities should also seek support of corporate organizations, development partners to bridge the gap in government funding.

He further tasked university authorities to give priority attention to security of lives and properties within their environment, adding that they should collaborate with host communities and security agencies in the this direction.

Earlier Vice Chancellor of the school Professor Joseph Ajienka told the graduands that their certificates and transcripts were ready for collection, noting that it was the first time it would happen in the history of the institution,
“For the first time, all certificates are ready. All your transcripts are ready for collection also for the first time,” he said.

He also extended his sympathy to parents and friends of four students of the university who lost their lives in a mob attack at Alluu community, Ikwerre local government area some years back
Governor of Rivers state, Nyesom Wike congratulated the school for its 40th anniversary, assuring that his administration would always assist the university in areas of need.

Wike who was represented by his Deputy, Dr Mrs Ipalibo Banigo said his administration would focus on providing quality education in the state.

He said the government would re introduce boarding education in the state, noting that teachers and staff in schools would regularly be trained and retrained for their jobs
Chief Solomon Ogba, Chief Mrs Seinye Lulu Briggs and Ichie Nnaeto Orazulike were conferred with Honoris causa degrees.

Chancellor of the University, His Royal Highness, Major General Dr Mohammad Bashir rtd congratulated the graduands, urging them to remain good ambassadors of the school.
Meantime 50 graduands who benefitted from the yearly Agbami scholarship program of Chevron Nigeria limited for its host communities thanked the oil giant for the gesture.

Three of them sponsored by the oil giant graduated I with first class honours,
Fadoyemi Tunji one of the first class graduates from Gas Engineering said the scholarship enabled him pay his fees promptly, adding that it contributed largely to his success. He graciously thanked the firm for the assistance.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/06/buhari-promises-quality-university-education/

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