Gregory University Uturu (GUU) has conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management on the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Sir Linus Nto Mbah (LINTO).
The honour was bestowed on the revered monarch at the Goodluck Jonathan Auditorium of the University during its 10th convocation ceremony.
Conferring the Honorary Doctorate degree on the Monarch, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cele U. Njoku, described the 10th Convocation of the Institution as a celebration of a bold dream realised.
Professor Njoku urged the graduating Students to view education not merely as the acquisition of knowledge, but as a call to character, service and responsible citizenship and congratulated the graduates as well as Eze Linus Nto Mbah on their achievements.
In his response after receiving the award, Eze Dr Linus Nto Mbah expressed profound gratitude to the University for the honour.
He particularly appreciated the Founder and Chancellor of the institution, Professor Gregory Ibe; the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cele U. Njoku; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Uwaoma Kalu Uche; and other members of the University Management.
The Royal Father commended Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for providing an enabling environment that encourages private sector investment in the state, noting that such support had made initiatives like Gregory University Uturu possible.
He further pledged to appeal to the Governor to reconstruct the access road leading to the University.
Eze Dr Linus Nto Mbah lauded Gregory University Uturu for its remarkable achievements within a decade of existence and urged the Institution to sustain the momentum.
He also announced a donation of millions of naira towards the construction of hostel accommodation for students.
The convocation ceremony was attended by the wife of the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Ugoeze Grace Nto Mbah, members of the traditional institution, members of the Eze-in-Council from Ata Igbo-Ukwu Kingdom, Umuzomgbo-Ihechiowa, as well as other dignitaries.
