By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
The Sa’adu Zungur University Stadium was filled with excitement and joy as graduands, parents, alumni, visitors and well-wishers gathered for the combined 8th, 9th and 10th Combined Convocation Ceremony of the University.
A total of 12, 256 graduands were awarded various certificates during the ceremony, including 216 First Class honours, marking one of the most remarkable academic milestones in the institution’s history.
Delivering her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor FatimahTahir welcomed the audience with profound gratitude, saying that Universities play a critical role in shaping the future of Nations.
Professor Fatimah said that the convocation ceremony marks another important milestone in the growth and development of the institution, adding that the ceremony provides a unique opportunity to celebrate the academic achievements of the students who have successfully completed their programmes and are being formally admitted into the global community of scholars and professionals.
” Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased to inform you that the University has continued to record remarkable achievements in academic development.Recently, a total of 17 academic programmes of the university were successfully accredited by the National University Commission, a development that further attests to the quality of our academic programmes and the dedication of our staff to maintaining high academic standards”
” in the area of Academic activities, Research and Collaborations, Distinguished guests, I am happy to report that of the 40 Academic programmes run by the University, 38 of them are with full accreditation and the remaining 2 are with the interim status.In terms of research,the University has access 148 IBRs fund from TETFUND, from 2023 to date.It has equally been able to win 2 TETFund and NRF grants”
” To the graduands, today marks the beginning of another important phase in your lives.As you leave the walls of this University, remember that the world expect much from you.You must strive to uphold the values of integrity, hard work, discipline and service to humanity”
“Do not limit yourselves to seeking employment alone, rather, endeavour to become innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders who will contribute positively to the growth and development of our nation.Always remember that wherever you go, you carry the name and reputation of Sa’adu Zungur University with you”She said.
In her remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson University Governing Council, Professor Gambo Laraba Abdullahi said that since her appointment as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson University Council, she has had the privilege to witness the resilience and commitment of the university management, staff and students of the institution.
She commended the Bauchi State Government under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed for significantly investing in the educational sector of the state, particularly in Sa’adu Zungur University, adding that it is a testimony and efforts of the State government in funding the affairs of the university.
She said that the strides recorded in infrastructural development of the institution has contributed greatly in creating a conducive learning environment of the institution even as she acknowledged the various contributions of development partners, particularly TETFUND in upgrading the standard of the university.
Also Speaking, the Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed congratulated the graduating students of the institution, saying that the world needs their energy, ideas, drive, determination and courage in surmounting all the challenges the encountered during thier study.
He also congratulated the Governing Council, senate, Academic and Non-academic staff of the institution for their dedication and resilience, adding that their role in shaping minds is invaluable.
” The government of Bauchi State will continue to support Sa’adu Zungur University in its journey to becoming a centre of excellence.Together, we shall build an institution that is academically sound, morally upright, globally competitive and deeply rooted in the values of our society.
” Education is not merely about earning a living, but learning about how to live a meaningful life, contributing to the progress of humanity”.
While congratulating the graduands their parents and the university community, he prayed God to guide their steps, bless their efforts and grant them success in all their endeavours.