By Aloysius Attah
Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Prof Ali Muhammed Pate and renowned Industrialist, Chief Chika Emenike will be conferred with honourary doctorate degrees by the Nnamdi Azikiwe University during its 19th convocation ceremony for the 2023/2024 academic session slated for this weekend.
Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu disclosed this at the council chambers of the university in Awka on Wednesday during a press briefing to herald the convocation ceremony.
Prof. Ikechebelu disclosed that Seyi Tinubu will be awarded a doctorate degree in Media Relations, Ali Pate , a doctorate degree in Health Administration while Emenike will also be awarded a Doctor of Commerce degree, all honorary causa. He said the trio are being honoured for their positive contributions and track records in the society and impact they have made both in the university community and the society at large.
The Ag. Vice Chancellor disclosed that a total of 8157 graduands will be taking part in the convocation including 16 people who bagged Doctors in Business Administration from the UNIZIK Business School, 463 PhD graduands across various disciplines , 163 postgraduate diplomas , 706 National Teachers Institute Post Graduate Diploma in Education and 680 Master’s Degree holders.
He commended President Tinubu for his timely intervention which restored UNIZIK in the path of glory and excellence after the moment of crisis that engulfed the university over the past vice chancellorship selection process.
He also praised the Minister of Education, Dr Olantunji Alausa for standing by the university and making sure the institution did not derail at its most trying period.
He promised that under his watch, the university will continue its tradition of excellence in line with its motto in the areas of academics, administration and infrastructure.
The Acting Vice Chancellor said that through his Blessed UNIZIK Mantra, meant to beautify UNIZIK, Light UP UNIZIK , ensure Excellence in UNIZIK , safe and secure UNIZIK and Digitize UNIZIK, various aspects of the university life is experiencing a face lift and innovation while they will try not only to sustain the tempo but surpass expectations going forward.
“We have passed through those challenges better and stronger. We are running the university with the mindset of productivity and we are not backing down in our resolve. We have declared an emergency on electricity and has set up an electricity task force which has ensured a steady power supply on our campus which has enhanced our research output, ”he said.
