LAST week, Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, held its 23rd convocation. The weeklong event which was well attended by dignitaries from all walks of life started on the December 1, with the Vice-Chancellor’s press conference, where the Vice Chancellor, Professor Chibuzo Ogbuagu, noted that in the last four years, the university had been producing graduates of repute.
The second day featured Arts and Books exhibition and a cultural carnival, which was held at the gallery of the Administration Block. Students and lecturers at the event had the privilege of showcasing their works of art.
As part of the events lined up for the week, a pre-convocation lecture and a novelty football match were also held. The guest lecturer at the pre-convocation lecture, Professor Emeritus Austine S.O. Okwu, while speaking on the theme: “Sapere Aude Oganihu Ndigbo” decried the marginalisation of the Igbo in the country.
According to him, “the Igbo are being marginalised on daily basis in this country. We occupy few top positions, and we have been sidelined from national politics.”
He went further to admonish the Igbo, saying that they are the cause of their incessant marginalisation.
Of the 5,076 graduates, a total of 893 students graduated with Second Class honours Upper Division, 3,584 made Second Class in the Lower Division, while 583 got Third Class and 9 came out with pass degrees. Only seven graduated with First Class degrees.
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor, Senator (Gen) Ike O.S Nwachukwu, represented by the President, Vision Africa, Dr Sunday Onuoha, congratulated the graduates on their successes.
A graduate of the Department of Soil Science, Precious Onuma, stole the show, as she was adjudged the university’s best graduating student, with a CGPA of 4.70.
As a result of her outstanding performance, Precious Onuma gained automatic employment in the university.
Uchechukwu Amanze and Favour Nnadi (ABSU)
Most Students who spoke with Campusbeats said they were happy and elated.
The sixth day marked the final day of the convocation ceremony; it witnessed the award of higher degrees and honorary degrees. While 66 students earned Ph.D degrees, 296 were awarded Masters Degrees. Finally, 126 were awarded post graduate diplomas.