Chancellor tasks FG on special grant to UniAbuja

By Usman Shuaibu

The Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Alhaji (Dr.) Shehu Idris who is also the Emir of Zazzau, Zaria in Kaduna State, has appealed to the Federal Government to consider the University of Abuja for a special grant.
The Emir, who made this appeal while delivering his address during the 23rd convocation ceremony of the University which took place at the main campus on Saturday, further charged the government to complete ongoing projects in the University for the benefit of the students.
His words: “The University is still in a transition period and considering its strategic position in the Federal Capital, there is need for further assistance by the government to facilitate the development plans of the University to a level benefiting the nation’s Federal Capital”.
He also urged the leadership of the University Alumni Association to take advantage of the Conference of Alumni Associations of Nigerian Universities (CAANU) to move towards taking the University to higher heights.
The Emir of Zazzau, however, advised the graduands to use the knowledge they had acquired in the University to better the society, while thanking the Federal Government for its support to the University.
Also speaking, the Vice-chancellor of the University, Prof. Michael Adikwu had disclosed that the University graduated a total number of 4,946 students made up of 4,725 undergraduates and 221 postgraduate students from 2017/2018 academic session.
According to Adikwu, first class (honours) 24, second class upper division 982, second class lower division 2,498, third class 1,085 while pass category is 136.
In addition, he said a total number of 68 students bagged Doctorate Degrees, 233 master’s degrees while 41 students bagged postgraduate diplomas.
The Vice-chancellor said the management of the University would remain committed in the pursuit of academic goals, and urged the graduands to be good diplomats of the University.
On his part, the visitor to the University, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Arc. Sunday Echono, said he would continue to focus on the development of education sector in the country.
Meanwhile, the University bestowed Honorary degrees on Architect Amaechi Chiedu (DSC, honoris causa); Chief Executive Officer Lionstore Group and Barr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman (Dlitt, honoris Causa) former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chief Executive Officer of Alkali Foundation.