Emir of Kano declaration on 35th-36th university of calabar convocation

INVESTITURE OF THE 6TH CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR AND 35TH CONVOCATION LECTURE ENDED IN A GRAND STYLE– Aminu Bayero

The Management of the University of Calabar led by Professor Florence Banku Obi, the students of the institution, and graduands celebrated the 35th and 36th convocation in a grand style at the Abraham Ordia Stadium, Calabar, yesterday.

The event kicked out with a procession by graduands of the university, the Deans of Faculties, the Vice Chancellor, Florence Obi, and the Chancellor, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero.

As part of the 35th Convocation ceremony, the investiture of the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Bayero as the 6th Chancellor of the University of Calabar was colored with dignitaries from all walks of life.

Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, declared the assembly as the 35th and 36th convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar for pathos awards in diplomas, first degrees, first graduates in diploma, masters, and presentation of prizes.

He expressed appreciation and profound joy to have performed his first official function as the 6th Chancellor of the University. \”I am most delighted today as I stand before staff and students of the University of Calabar to perform my first official function of presiding over the 35th convocation of the University of Calabar after my installation as the 6th Chancellor of this great institution,\” the Emir declared.

The 35th Convocation lecture was taken by Prof Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, CFR on the theme: THE LEADERSHIP AND FOLLOWERSHIP QUESTION IN NIGERIA: IMPERATIVE OF ETHICAL RE-ORIENTATION where he spoke widely about the political state of Nigeria, stating how it affects the followership in the country.

The Chancellor, while addressing the gathering charged the graduating students to follow the path of righteousness which leads to selfless service to society and glorious fulfillment.

He said \”As you graduate today and start your chosen career, you will find out that you are at the crossroads, the path you follow is of your own chosen. The path to the left leads out to hills and lands of selfish pursuit, the path to the right is the path of righteousness which leads to selfless service and glorious fulfillment. Therefore, it is incumbent on you to make the best choice. Your experiences as you journey through the highway of life will depend on this choice.\”

In the same vein, The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi profoundly thanked God for the second graduation ceremony in her administration. She stated the peculiarity of the event, owing to eight months of torturous protracted strikes that forestall the event last year.

\”For me, after a year of much uncertainty in the university system due to union strikes that prevented us from staging the ceremony in 2022, this occasion is most gratifying to, assuring of brighter prospects in the system.\”

Professor Obi also congratulated the 6th Chancellor of the University, Alhaji Aminu Bayero, describing his presence as the first time in more than 20 years that the Chancellor of the University will be gracing the convocation ceremony.

While addressing the graduands, she equally charged them to be good ambassadors of the University, reminding them that the alumni oath of allegiance they took implies a critical role towards the development of the University.

\”In keeping with the motto of the University, knowledge for service, and as this solemn occasion call, we charge the graduands and image-maker of their alma mater. The induction into the Unical alumni and oath of allegiance implies this change, reminding and even demanding that you play a critical role as alumni towards the development of our University.\” She said.

In the same development, 5445 graduands were awarded first degrees and 171 diplomas according to the academic tradition.

Of the 5,445 first degrees, 11 persons distinguished themselves with first-class honor, 1,052 second-class upper divisions, 3647 second-class lower division, 721 third class, and 4 Pass degrees.

Also, Masters and Diploma levels had a total of 1606 persons 1,104, and 502 earn Masters and postgraduate diplomas respectively.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the number would have been higher, if not for the protracted strike that affected the University for 8 months in 2022.

Amuda Adeola and Ofuka Emmanuella Reporting

HON. UCHE EKWUNIFE
President
Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists, UNICAL Council

RT. HON. MONOBA MOSES
Editor in Chief
Nigeria Union of Campus Journalists, UNICAL Council