Clifford University holds maiden convocation for 65 students
Clifford University, Owerrinta in Abia Sunday held its maiden convocation with the award of degrees to 65 graduates in 13 disciplines.
Our Correspodent reports that the institution is owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria.
In a speech, the Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Chimezie Omeonu, traced the evolution of the university to Nov. 2, 2016, when the then Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, announced its approval by the Federal Executive Council.
Omeonu said that academic programmes commenced in earnest on March 5, 2017 in Humanities, Science as well as Social and Management Sciences.
He said: “I thank God for the students He gave us to start this university.
“Even without being graduates, some of them have brought goodness and goodwill to the university,” adding: “Nigeria has some of the best adolescents in the world.
“What these young people need are good role models that they will look up to and form their character.
“These young graduates today are among those that will show the light and Nigerians will find the way to good life.”
Omeonu also thanked the parents of the pioneer students for believing in them, saying he was happy that they (university authorities) did not fail them.
He also extended his gratitude to the members of staff for their sacrifice in supporting the growth of the institution, in spite of the enormous teething problems it went through.
He expressed joy that the National Universities Commission had granted the university the approval to offer courses in the Faculties of Basic Medical Sciences and Law.
In a goodwill message, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu congratulated the graduating students, staff members and management of the institution on its maiden convocation.
Ikpeazu said that it was gratifying that the NUC had approved additional academic programmes for the institution but urged the management to be circumspect in the admission of students.
According to the governor, the accreditation to run programmes in Law and Nursing will come with its challenges.
He advised the management of the university not to admit students with questionable character that would introduce cultism and other social vices in the institution.
He said: “Please do not for the need of students engage every person, especially those that are not teachable.
“Make sure you admit only people that have the capacity to go throught the rigours of university education.
“You should be careful about the type of students you chose, especially through transfers and direct entry.”
The governor announced a cash award of N100,000 and a scholarship for Master Degree for the best graduating student in Biochemistry (his area of specialisation).
He further announced N30,000 yearly bursary award for 20 indigent students in the university.
Highlights of the ceremony included a lecture on the “Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health and tertiary education, challenges and concern: a paradigm shift” by Prof. Arthur Chuemere.
The institution also conferred Honorary Doctors of Letters on Gideon Nwaogwugwu, a pastor and former Pro-Chancellor of Babcock University and Prof. Joseph Ola, also of Babcock University.
There were goodwill messages from the Abia State University, Uturu, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, University of Uyo, University of Port Harcourt, Babcock University and Adeleke University, amongst others.
The Chancellor of the university, Dr Bassey Udoh, inaugurated a seven-member executive of the institution’s pioneer Alumni Association, with Goodluck Akpasa, a graduate of Economics, as President.
Our Correspondent reports that 11 of the graduates came out with First Class Honours, while Miss Nancy Hezekiah emerged the overall Best Graduating Student.
Hezekiah had a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.88 in Biochemistry.
