MOUAU Graduates 4,781 As 162 Bag First Class

At least 162 graduated with First Class honours from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State when the institution held its 12th convocation ceremony on Saturday.

Also, 5,246 students graduated from the 2009/2010 to 2023/2024 academic years.

Out of these, 4,781 students earned first degrees, while others completed postgraduate programs, including 49 Postgraduate Diplomas, 252 Master’s degrees, and 164 Doctorate degrees.

Among the first-degree graduates, 162 students achieved first-class honors.

Paul Promise Chibuike, from the Department of Biochemistry, stood out as the best graduating student with an impressive CGPA of 4.92.

Others included 1,710 graduates with second-class honors (upper division), 2,114 with second-class honors (lower division), 734 with third-class honors, nine with pass degrees, and 42 veterinary graduates with unclassified qualifications.

During the ceremony at the university stadium, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maduebibisi Ofo Iwe, praised the university’s commitment to promoting national development through agricultural education.

“The school is firmly rooted in the belief that national development can be significantly developed through integrated and coordinated agricultural education, contributing to self-sufficiency in food production and economic growth,” he said.

He advised students to take their studies seriously and return to school on time after holidays as the late return of students to the university has continued to work against the planned programme of things.

“I am still appealing to our students to show a change of heart especially as the Federal Government is presently providing them with an incentive through the NELFUND to enable the poor amongst them settle their preregistration and registration mandates timely,” he said.

The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Dr. Deola Ayo Banjo commended the university, particularly the lecturers for nurturing the young ones and equipping them with relevant knowledge and requisite skills to drive the engines of the nation’s growth and development.

“You have invested great energies to diligently and creatively impart profound expertise and cutting-edge skills to meet the demands of a dynamic technological era,” he said.

The Governor of Abia State, represented by his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, urged graduates to work hard and remain ethical saying, “As you enter this new chapter of your lives, I encourage you to be determined in chasing your dreams, uphold your beliefs, and recognize the importance of ethical leadership.

“The world requires leaders who have integrity, vision, and responsibility. Embrace the challenges ahead as they will shape your character and establish your legacy.”

Speaking with THE WHISTLER, Miss Ifeanyi Chiamaka, who graduated with a second-class upper from the Department of Agricultural Science Education, expressed gratitude to God and encouraged undergraduates to pray and work hard.

Pointing out some problems in the school, she said, “They should improve in our lecture rooms and get more lecture auditoriums for us. Our roads are not good as well, so they really need to improve on that.”

Dr. Hillary Ikechukwu, a convocant and a lecturer at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi State, who earned a Ph.D. in Accounting at MOUAU spoke about the delays caused by ASUU strikes and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“ASUU strike lasted for almost two years, the other seven months, and COVID-19 took a complete one year. When I finally defended, it was not easy. The Nigerian system also applies but here I am today,” he said.

He further advised undergraduates to face their challenges head on Saying, “it has not been easy, but all I just have to say is that it is all about determination in everything you do. Be focused and know what you want in life.”

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) President, Honorable Ikpeama Fortune, celebrated the success of the convocation and congratulated the graduates. He also highlighted some issues that need attention in the school.

“Where the students are living, those places are not really in good shape. We need to put in place these hostels where the students are living and the classes where they are learning.

“They need all these public address systems. I hope the school authorities work on that,” he said.

THE WHISTLER reports that the overall best graduating student, Paul Promise Chibuike, received a letter of recognition and a cash gift of ₦100,000 for his outstanding academic performance.

The 12th convocation ceremony of the University not only celebrated the graduates’ achievements but also served as a reminder of the need to address the university’s challenges to ensure the continued growth and success of the school.

MOUAU Graduates 4,781 As 162 Bag First Class is first published on The Whistler Newspaper