The management, staff and students of Paul Universisty, Awka, Anambra State, recently rolled out drums to celebrate her first set of graduates, 57 in number. The maiden convocation held in the school’s premises was graced by crème de la crème in Nigeria including the second republic Vice President of the country, Dr Alex Ekwueme; Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo; former Chairman, Common wealth of Nations, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs, Sen. Ben Ndi Obi; Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), His Grace, Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh; the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, (NUC), Prof. Julius Okojie, and the first female governor of Anambra State, Dame Virgy Etiaba.
Others are the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop of Aguata Diocese, the Most Revd. Christian Efobi; the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Revd. Dr Alexander Ibezim; a legion of traditional rulers led by the king of the host community, HRH Obi Gibson Nwosu; top government officials; a multitude of lawyers of various ranks, professors, clergymen, knights, politicians, students, and parents/guardians. The host community of Awka was literally shutdown in celebration as even passers-by stopped by to catch a glimpse of the euphoria.
Speaking earlier in the convocation lecture, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo extolled the leadership of the institution for writing the name of the institution in gold even as he raised issues of concern in the nation’s education system. He disclosed that there are legitimate concerns that our education system is not fully preparing students and communities to thrive in today’s knowledge-based economy, stressing that “if communities and countries want to prosper, they must support both innovative and transformative policies and practices.”
He defined global competitiveness as the degree to which a country, institution, individuals can, under free and fair market condition, meet the taste of international market while simultaneously maintaining and expanding the real incomes of the citizens.
“Education for global competitiveness may mean taking education as a business venture capable of attracting value of demand and supply for individuals, institutions willing to pay competitive prices for products and services from educational activities and products including premium value for graduates with core competencies and for departmental research innovations that add value to commerce and industries,’’ he said.
Nebo further argued that our nation can only truly assess the competitiveness of its graduate population if they are exposed to assessments that can provide the nation with accurate data, adding that in order to compete in a globalised economy, Nigeria needs to continue to build and to invest in innovative systems at national and state levels.
In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Gaius Igboeli, revealed that the desire to clean up the decay in the nation’s tertiary institutions prompted the bishops of the Anglican Church in the East of Nigeria to collectively establish the university.
His words: “We started with 107 students and, at present, we can boast of 300 students within the four years we have operated. Admission is currently on and efforts are being intensified to increase the number of our students. We have established 15 centres in the country for the screening of candidates; in terms of fees, we charge far less, than what is obtainable in other private institution. We charge 300,000 a year which include accommodation because all our students stay on campus. The reason for the reduction in fees is that the church does not want to exploit the students. To gain admission into the university, one must pass JAMB by scoring at least the minimum presented by JAMB which is 180 and by obtaining in WAEC or similar exams credits in five subjects including Math and English Language. No ‘sorting’; we don’t sell handouts. This is the place to send your kids, the atmosphere is safe, and location is congenial. We have 10 experienced professors and 60 other lectures. Discipline is an important component here. So the relationship is strict but congenial.”
In his speech, the Pro-Chancellor of the varsity, Sir Nnamdi Udensi, expressed admiration for the University’s philanthropists without whom according to him, the university would not have achieved the level of infrastructural development that it now enjoys. The Executive Secretary of the NUC, Prof. Julius Okojie who was represented by Prof. A. I. Ession, cautioned against unbridled interference in the management of private universities in Nigeria, stressing that the commission will not take it lightly with offenders even as he extolled the citadel of learning for covering great mileage within a very short period of its inception.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Chief Dr. Alex Ekwueme, expressed satisfaction with the achievement recorded by the faith-based institution. He reiterated the duty of the institution which is to mould character, expressing belief that the graduates have been found worthy both in character, and learning.
The proprietor of the University and Archbishop of Niger Delta province, and Bishop of Niger Delta North Diocese, the Most Revd. Ignatius Kattey thanked the lecturers, staff for their great sacrifice in making the university a great citadel of learning. He also further thanked well-wishers who have supported the institution with their resources, appealing to everyone to ensure that the university does not collapse.
Two female students from the Faculty of Arts, Management and Social Sciences graduated with First Class honours. They are: Ejianya, Peace Iruoma and Okeke, Chiemela Adaku from the Departments of Economics and History/International Relations respectively. Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Miss Ejianya, who emerged the best graduating student, disclosed that she and her friends really had the best part of their lives so far in the institution. Hear her: “One thing is certain; we are better people – morally, physically, intellectually, and spiritually. I can confidently say we are rich in character and learning.”
The occasion also witnessed the installation of the His Grace, Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh, Archbishop Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion) as the Chancellor of the university. He was represented by the Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Rt. Rev. Caleb Mmaduoma. There was also conferment of the honorary degree of Doctor of Civil laws (D.C.L) Honoris Causa on Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and Dame Patience Jonathan, wife of the President.
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