From Ijeoma Sandra
Nnewi
It was a landmark event celebrating academic achievements and institutional progress as the Nnamdi Azikiwe University ( UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State marked its institution’s 18th convocation ceremony with honorary degree awards to distinguished personalities.
The out-gone Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Charlse Esimone, speaking during the event at the school convocation arena on Friday, said that the 18th convocation ceremony was for the 2022/2023 academic year.
The out-gone Vice-Chancellor disclosed that a total of 7,091 students received their first degrees,96 received postgraduate diplomas, 391 received master’s degrees and 251 bagged doctoral degrees including Dr M C Muoneke, wife of Amb Paul Muoneke JP, the founder of Prudent Tutors, Nursery, Primary and secondary schools, Nnewi.
Addressing journalists, Dr Modesta Muoneke, expressed gratitude to God for making the award a success.
She appreciated her husband who she said supported her all through the journey. She said that her husband inspired her to go as far as she had gone.
“If not my husband, I wouldn’t have reached this far. He was indeed my source of strength all through this journey.Today, to God be the glory I am a doctor of law, “she added.
Dr Modesta Muoneke revealed that she encountered so many challenges during her journey.
She disclosed that she encountered accidents on several occasions on her way to Awka but God was so faithful to her and her family.
She advised women not to relent in their pursuit of higher degrees in life, adding that persistence is the key to success. She further advised young women to choose their partners wisely.
“You should always choose someone that will inspire you to go further not someone that will end your dreams, “she advised.
Amb. Muoneke disclosed that he allowed his wife to go this far because he was one of the advocates of women emancipation.
“I believe in gender equality, we advocate for women participation in governance and other relevant positions in the country and beyond, “he added.
Amb. Muoneke revealed that he experienced so many challenges in the process of allowing his wife to acquire the degrees up to PhD in law.
“I did household chores in her absence just to support her, “he said.
He advised men to be supportive to their wives especially in academics.
He further admonished young girls who had chosen marriage over education to be reasonable as education remained the key to success.
As an educationist and lover of the youths, Amb. Muoneke called on the youths to take their studies serious, especially male ones who he said had gone astray in pursuit of quick wealth.
He said that quick rich syndrome among the youths would only bring destruction since, according to him, making it in a cool way would give the person peace of mind.
Highlights of the event included convocation lecture by Pst Ben Akabueze, Director General, Budget Office of the Federation, with the theme: “Tertiary Education in Nigeria: Fostering The Marriage Between The Gown And The Town” and honorary degrees award to distinguished personalities in various fields of endeavors.
