Muhammadu Buhari, has reiterated Federal Government’s agricultural commitment towards achieving sustainable green economy.
Buhari, who stated this during the 10th Convocation Ceremony of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State, recently, added that universities of agriculture must play their crucial specialized role in catalyzing the development of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammed Mahmood Abubakar, the president revealed that agricultural sector remained a major driver in industrial development, diversification from heavy dependence on non-renewable mineral oil as well as achieving self-sufficiency in food production for local consumption.
In his words: “Government expects of universities of Agriculture, rapid development of the knowledge and skills to increase local production of food and raw materials. Efforts are being made by government to put in place, policies and programmes to strengthen agencies and parastatals to provide enabling environment for increase productivity.
Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Mahmood (1st Right), with The Chancellor, MOUAU during the 10th Convocation of the Institution recently.
President Buhari who congratulated the graduands for their hard work in the last couple of years, disclosed that government has been in constant dialogue with Academics Staff Union of Universities, expressing confidence that the challenges currently facing Nigerian educational system would be resolved.
“We shall not relent; rather we shall double our efforts at creating enabling environment for our specialized universities of Agriculture to fulfill our collective dream of self- reliance in food production.
We should be determining to wisely exploit the natural resources and inheritance of our nation to feed our people and possible export to other nation.
Meanwhile the Abia State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has reinstated of his government’s continued support to MOUAU in Human Capital Development.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, Ikpeazu pleaded with Federal Government, MOUAU and other relevant authorities to restore the de-listed courses/programmes of the university, explaining that Abia indigenes and other catchment areas have been deprived of the privilege to enroll in the course of their choice in the federal institution.
Overview of procession during the 10th MOUAU convocation.
The Emir of Gombe and Chancellor of MOUAU, HRH Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, commended the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe for his management’s effort to keep the university running, carrying on all academic activities, moving on with character molding duties under the COVID-19 restrictions among others.
The royal father called on graduands to live up to the words on their certificates and be a good ambassador of the university wherever they find themselves.
The Chancellor who further appreciated the host communities of the university also called on relevant government agencies to extend helping hands in alleviating the problems that hinder the development of MOUAU for the better development of students and society at large.
Minister of State for mines and steel, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah with others during MOUAU 10th Convocation recently in the university.
Earlier, in his speech, the Vice-Chancellor, MOUAU, Prof. Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe had disclosed that 6,609 students graduated with 4,114 belonging to 2018/2019 at the graduate and post graduate levels.
Of the 5,815first degree graduates, he disclosed that 90 obtained First Class honours, 1,775 passed with Second Class honours (upper Division), 2,905 with Second Class honours (Lower Dvision), 1,226 with third class honours and 18 with Pass Degree.
Four Nigerians, who were conferred with the honorary degrees of the university include the President/CEO, Cosharis Group, Dr. Cosmos Maduka, the creator, Nigerian hair care brand; Nature Gentle Touch, Chika Ikenga, the MD/CEO UYK Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Usman Yahaya Kansila and a registered Advertising Practitioner, and the Alayeluwa Oba Alayeluwo Oba Akeem Olusayo King Ogungbangbe.
The Vice-Chancellor who maintained that the conferment of honorary degrees is a recognition and honour to accomplished persons that truly deserve them, called for more partners especially in Agriculture Engineering, Food Processing and Preservation, Science, Veterinary Medicine among others
