VC Charges Nile Varsity Graduates To Be Change-Makers, Awards Honorary Degree To Jonathan

The Vice-Chancellor of Nile University, Professor Dilli Dogo, has urged graduating students of the Institution to become change-makers, encouraging them to use the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

Prof Dogo spoke in Abuja yesterday at the 13th Convocation of the institution, which also witnessed the awarding of an honorary degree to former President Goodluck Jonathan for his contributions to national development, leadership, and peacebuilding efforts in Nigeria.

The ceremony was held for undergraduate students, while the convocation for postgraduate students is scheduled for Thursday.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of innovation, leadership, and social responsibility as essential qualities for the 21st-century workforce.

He reaffirmed Nile University’s standing as a proud member of Honoris United Universities, Africa’s largest private higher education network, comprising 16 institutions across ten African countries.

He explained that the Honoris philosophy of “Education for Impact” aligns with the university’s mission to produce globally competitive graduates equipped with practical competencies for the modern workforce.

“Africa missed the first three industrial revolutions. We must not lose out in the fourth. Our programmes are designed to ensure that the quality of education we provide is second to none,” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the growing international recognition of Nile University degrees, announcing that the United Kingdom General Medical Council, the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, and leading global cybersecurity bodies have all accepted the university’s qualifications.

He added; “Let me warmly congratulate you, the graduates, your parents and guardians, as well as the well-wishers who have come to celebrate these shining stars this morning as we officially release them to go and excel wherever they find themselves.

“As ambassadors of this great institution, you have been equipped with the right knowledge and skills to thrive in a challenging employment market. Please go and change the narrative by becoming employers of labour through innovation and creativity rather than compounding the already chaotic unemployment market.”

He further said the University brought to honour President Jonathan, a Nigerian with a special attitude and character, a bridge-builder, and a person who believes in Nigeria.

‘He is a person a who at a trying moment came out to say that his ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian, a person who is currently defining what peace and conflict resolution is across the nation, across the African continent and beyond, a person who has mentored so many people, a diplomat, a politician to the core, to serve as a specific mentor for the graduates of the 2025 graduating phase.”

Responding, President Jonathan congratulated the graduands, emphasising the importance of character over mere certificates, asserting that education should lead to personal transformation and good behaviour.

He also urged them to uphold integrity, discipline, and a commitment to national development as they stepped into the next phase of their lives.

Receiving an Honoris Causa in Political Science and International Relations, Jonathan lauded Nile University for the quality of its programmes and its steady growth over the years, noting that institutions like Nile continue to play a vital role in shaping a new generation of responsible leaders.

In their valedictory speeches, the overall best graduating students, Tosam-Jesse Winter of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department and Fatima Kabir Abubakar of the Petroleum and Gas Engineering Department, both with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 5.0, expressed gratitude to the university management, their families, and lecturers for the support that shaped their academic journeys.

Speaking, Winter encouraged students to embrace challenges as opportunities, saying; “Your time here is not just about grades, but about building resilience and discovering your potential. Education is a key that unlocks not only personal success but also the progress of our society.”

The student also reminded others to remain focused and committed, stating; “Stay disciplined, stay curious, and let your achievements inspire those around you.”

They described their achievements as the result of discipline, resilience, and the conducive learning environment provided by Nile University.

The event was graced by the Chancellor of the University and Shehu of Borno, HRH Abubakar El-Kanemi; Pro-Chancellor John Vermaaten; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; his Jigawa counterpart Sule Lamido; and other dignitaries.

Nile University’s partners, including Zenith Bank, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Providus Bank, Coronation, ACCA, Alpha Morgan, Media Seal, Renmoney, and Senator Osita Izunaso, also contributed to the ceremony by awarding prizes to the best graduating students, making the event even more memorable.