Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has lauded Rhema University of Nigeria, Aba, Abia State for honouring Professor Nnenna Oti, former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), whom he said God used to change the story of Abia State.
Professor Oti was the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Returning Officer for the Governorship election in Abia State in 2023, who reportedly against all pressures, declared Governor Otti winner of the Governorship election.
Governor Otti made the commendation weekend during the 9th – 13th combined convocation ceremonies of Rhema University, where Prof Oti was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree.
Otti described the former FUTO Vice-Chancellor as a distinguished academic who has excelled in many spheres of life.
The Governor commended the Chancellor/founder of Rhema University, Bro. Emma Okorie, for his vision and commitment in establishing the institution, describing it as a significant contribution to education and human capacity development.
Governor Otti announced that the State Government would celebrate the 80th birthday of Professor Ogbonnaya Onwudike, Vice-Chancellor of Rhema University later this year, in recognition of his efforts in advancing education in Abia.
The Chancellor of Rhema University, who is also the President/Founder of Living Word Ministries International, Aba, Bro. Emma Okorie in his address, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to equipping humanity with knowledge, sound character and values needed to make meaningful contributions to society.
Bro. Okorie emphasized that education must go beyond the acquisition of academic knowledge to include moral development, integrity and spiritual transformation.
“We are here to equip humanity with knowledge,” adding that true education should shape not only the intellect but also the heart, character, conduct and relationships of individuals.
He commended Professor Nnenna Oti for her resolve to uphold what is right, describing her conduct during the 2023 governorship election in Abia State that produced Governor Otti as an example of integrity and principled leadership
The Pro-Chancellor of the university, Professor Ogwo E. Ogwo, said the institution was established to equip humanity and prepare graduates to contribute meaningfully to national and global development.
He expressed confidence that the graduands would uphold the university’s values and bring honour to their families and the institution in their respective fields.
Professor Ogwo announced that the university had produced its first set of medical doctors, describing the achievement as a major milestone in the institution’s development.
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Ogbonnaya Onwudike had earlier in his address, announced that on October 7, the University had the induction ceremony of the first set of Medical Doctors by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
“These Medical Doctors were first admitted into the university in 2020 and within a record time of 6 years, they have graduated after our Medicine and Surgery Programme received full accreditation by both the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
The Vice Chancellor disclosed that of all the institution’s 16 undergraduate degree programmes approved by the National Universities Commission, 14 of them have received full accreditation by the NUC.
He stated that with the approval by the NUC, the University has since mounted Postgraduate degree programmes leading up to PhD level.
Professor Onwudike described the convocation as a testament to the transformation of lives and preparation of individuals to contribute meaningfully to society.
He renewed his call for private Universities in Nigeria to benefit from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
The VC commended Governor Otti for his visionary leadership, noting that his emergence had changed the trajectory of development in the State.
Abia State Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof Uche Eme-Uche had earlier in a pre-convocation lecture titled,
“From Degree to Destiny: Creating Value, Generating Opportunity and Transforming Society”, informed that about 1.7 million young Nigerians who had finished their studies, step into the labour market every year.
She disclosed that in the first three months of 2024, out of every 100 Nigerians holding a post-secondary qualification, 9 could not find work.
Against that backdrop, Prof Eme-Uche said graduates must create value to open doors for others, a principle she said is already built into the Igbo apprenticeship system, “Igba Boi”.
The Guest lecturer harped on the need for University education which she described as investment in human capital and among the most productive investments.
Highlights of the event were the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on Sis. Chinyere Emma Okorie and Prof. (Mrs.) Oti.
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