The Sideline Of Ebonyi State University Convocation Ceremony – Emegha 

The culture of tracking events and giving critical analysis on emanating issues based on facts rather than making non-scientific inference is always a stiff case to judge by many Nigerians. This accounts for weeping of sentiments and outpouring of personal emotions that characterise public discourse on topical issues.

The 20th April, 2024, marking the 12th -15th combined convocation ceremony of Ebonyi State University is a typical of such scenario; as ever since, analytic minds have continued feasting on different and crucial aspects of the event with special attention on its relevance on the improvement of academic activities of the reputable citadel of learning.

In a similar breath, some prominent visitors, namely: the immediate past Governor of Ebonyi State and Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi and a widely acknowledged global entrepreneur, Tony Elumelu were recognised with  honorary Doctorate Degrees for their outstanding contributions to the development of education in Nigeria and the society in general. 

Without losing sight of the pomp and pageantry of the convocation which had four academic sets, comprising of graduands of first degrees, Masters and Doctors of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree from different faculties who were certified worthy in character and in learning. Incontrovertibly, it was a sight worths revisiting with the ultimate objective to ponder on some salient and concerned issues and as well, project into the future.  

If there is a memory to be erased from the beautiful history made on the said date in Ebonyi State in a hurry, it is definitely not the speech made by the distinguished visitor of the prestigious institution and Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Right Honourable Bld Dr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, as it continues to reverberate with no end in sight.  

Governor Nwifuru’s policy statements at the eye-catching and thought stimulating occasion, like oxygen, diffused into the life veins of the institution and permeated the different sensitive layers to resuscitate the near despairing pride of the school. 

The ambience of the convocation ceremony spiked to its crescendo when the most education friendly Governor who through sheer determination, resilience and industry at a very tender age, acquired formal education against several debilitating forces mounted the state box. 

Oh! What a leader who through the weary parts of life got to notoriety but detest in its entirety that his people would taste the gravel of poverty or its similarities under his watch. 

This probably, informed the passion and the registered high sense of sincerity on his face as he made the hitherto feared pronouncements which was adjudged a very bold step in the present day Nigeria. 

His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Right Honourable Bld Dr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru rolled out the exciting packages with the increment of lecturers salary by 20%, reduction of students’ school fees by 10%, and automatic employment for first class graduates and as well, a scholarship scheme that would cover their Masters and Doctorate degrees study expenses in any discipline and universities of their choice in Nigeria.

Apart from the individualized gains, the first citizen and father of Ebonyi State, reviewed the monthly subvention of the esteemed university upwards, from 200 Million Naira to 280 Million Naira. 

This convincingly, would encourage smooth, effective and efficient management of academic activities thereby making excellence non-debatable. 

Still in the full aura of his executive fiat, His Excellency, the Governor,  Rt Hon Bld Dr Nwifuru recovered the Ebonyi State ceded Teaching hospital to Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike also known as Alex Ekwueme University Teaching Hospital, AE-FUTA 11 located along Abakaliki – Enugu Express way back to the State as he announced that the hospital would henceforth be known as Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital to enable medical students of the State University conduct necessary clinical examination as required by their profession. 

Above all, the present administration’s efforts towards improving among other things, the state of infrastructure in the university for better teaching and learning would place it far above her contemporaries. 

In contrast to some bogus statements which have pervaded the political arena and are very inconsistent with the personality and policy direction of a man of humble beginning, His Excellency, the governor has done exceedingly well that even his critics before now are today, his greatest admirers and unrepentant supporters.  

The 12th -15th combined convocation ceremony of Ebonyi State University was yet another privilege that the people had to know, access and applaud their Governor and father, RT Hon Bld Dr. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. 

A hearty congratulations to the celebrants  with special regards to our consummate Leader and my inimitable boss, Governor Nwifuru.