Abia Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has called on the Federal government to enhance funding for Universities of Agriculture in Nigeria as that is the only way to encourage the youths to go into agriculture.
The Governor made the call during the 8th convocation ceremony of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike held at the institution’s pavilion.
According to the Governor, the decision by the Federal government that all institutions designated as critical institutions for specific training should revert to their specific areas of training was not favourable to Abia people stating that “as Ndi Abia, our desire would have been for Michael Okpara University of Agriculture to be available to train all our children irrespective of their academic inclinations and desires.”
He added that if the federal government is insisting on only agriculture related areas of study for the only federal university in the state, it will be fair and just for the federal government to consider establishing a new regular non specialized university in the state to take care of the teeming number of students from the state seeking to study other courses.
Speaking further on the need for multidisciplinary training of students he stated that “you cannot be a total graduate if you don’t know a little bit of everything ” and urged the Federal government to take a cue from great institutions of agriculture overseas where tertiary education schools with core mandate of specific training also offer training in other fields of study. He added that the challenges of survival of graduates in the new global village will require dynamic training and capacity in diverse fields irrespective of the primary area of focus.
According to Governor Ikpeazu, “even if you study agriculture you will need reasonable knowledge in other areas like economics, marketing, computing etc to be a real agricultural entrepreneur”
The Governor congratulated the Muhammadu Buhari led administration for refocusing agriculture as a means to take Nigeria out of economic downturn and expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Otunta and the school management for raising great leaders of tomorrow, on whose shoulders, the economic growth of Nigeria would rest and congratulated the graduands.
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University Council, Hon. Lawal Zayyana said that the Council recognizes that the university was growing rapidly and needs adequate manpower to run its expanding programmes, hence, the school management will work in tandem with the Council to examine how to re-engage some of the staff recently disengaged from the institution.
He charged the graduating students to show strong commitment towards taking up commercial farming and other associated economic activities in the agriculture value chain as professionals.
Rt. Hon. Zayyana congratulated the graduands and enjoined them to be good ambassadors of their alma mater where ever they find themselves.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Francis Otunta, disclosed that the university was not only celebrating its 8th convocation but also the silver jubilee anniversary of the institution.
He highlighted some innovations introduced by his administration and thanked the President of Nigeria, the Minster of Agriculture and NUC for their various contributions in making the institution great and advised the graduating students to exhibit qualities that will distinguish them in their various fields of endeavours.
Prof. Otunta also thanked Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, for his development strides since taking over leadership of the state.
According to him, “Abians have remained in the mood of jubilation ever since he took over the mantle of leadership, for they exercised their franchise in the right direction.
“He is the people’s Governor, a pragmatic and indefatigable leader that has brought meaningful transformation in the infrastructural and human development in the State.
“His chauvinistic spirit has remained a driving force in his patronage of Abia-made goods, which is meant to encourage and boost industrialization in the State. He is a good manager of people. Due to his sagacious and administrative acumen, he was able to enshrine peace and tranquility in the business and social climate of the State when clash of interests almost made the state a theater of woes few months ago.”
Prof Otunta also expressed gratitude to the Governor for his support to the institution as well as creating the enabling environment needed for the business of education to thrive.
A total of 4,958 candidates graduated in various degrees and disciplines of the university. The school also awarded honorary doctorate degrees to Prof Joe Irukwu and Late Dr M I Okpara.
-Divine Nwankwo reporting
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