UniAbuja Holds Combined Convocation Ceremony, Honours Nigerians

The University of Abuja, now Yakubu Gowon University, yesterday conferred on some Nigerians at its 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremony for the award of higher degrees and conferment of honorary degrees.

It bestowed honorary doctorate degrees on the founder and chief executive officer of Paulo Group of Companies, Paul Odili and Prof. Yusuf Ali (SAN) and Emmanuel Iza in recognition of their contributions to national development.

The vice-chancellor of the institution, Prof. Hakeem Fawehunmi, said Dr Odili, Prof. Yusuf Ali (SAN) and Emmanuel Iza had satisfied the requirements of the university, both in character and learning, to be honoured.

“I doff my hat to you for this well-deserved honour and great achievement,” Prof. Fawehunmi stated.

He urged the graduands to use the training and experience acquired at the institution to contribute to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

“As you graduate and move into the next phase of your lives, know that nobody will ask you what you studied, but what you can contribute to the development of this country.

“Certificates can open doors, but it is your character, discipline, integrity and steadfastness that will determine how far you go and endure. Wherever you go and wherever your paths lead you, remember to guard the reputation of this university jealously.”

In his remarks after being conferred with the honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree, Odili, who is also the Founder/Pro-Chancellor of Margaret Lawrence University, Delta/Abuja, thanked the institution for finding him worthy of recognition.

Dr Odili urged Nigerians not to despair, stressing that it pays to pursue one’s dreams.

“I want to dedicate this honour to all Nigerians who dare to dream, because I have seen the power of belief and dreams. When you dream, believe it is possible.

“For a village boy like me to stand before you today to be honoured, I want to tell Nigerians, irrespective of where you come from or what you do, to keep dreaming. It is possible. I am a living testimony that dreams can come true,” Dr Odili stated.

In view of the challenges facing the institution, Dr Odili assured that he would partner with the university.

“I will do all within my power to ensure that this university is not where it used to be. I am going to work with the Governing Council, the Vice-Chancellor and the management of the university so that, in the next two years, most of these challenges I have heard today will be tackled.”

Earlier, Sen. Olanrewaju Tejuoso, the pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council, called for stronger private sector collaboration to address infrastructure challenges, particularly student accommodation.

Tejuoso said student enrolment had nearly doubled without commensurate expansion of hostel facilities and urged investors and corporate organisations to partner with the university in developing modern hostels.