By Felix Khanoba
The University of Abuja (UniAbuja) on Saturday held its 27th convocation, with the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, ‘showcasing’ some of the achievements recorded by the institution in recent times.
Speaking at the event, which saw to graduation of 7,034 students as well as conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Letters on Professor Toyin Falola of the University of Texas, Houston, Professor Na’Allah said UniAbuja has floated four new faculties in line with its commitment to expand academic programmes.
The VC listed the new faculties as Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, the Faculty of Environmental Science, the. Faculty of Nursing and Allied Sciences, and the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
” Following a successful outcome of the Resource Verification visit by various accreditation teams sent by the National Universities Commission (NUC) , the departments under these faculties are poised to immediately commence admission of students, teaching, and related activities for their cutting-edge and highly sought-after academic programmes….
” At the same time, some of the existing faculties have been boosted with additional courses established alongside those in the new faculties, ” the VC said.
Speaking further, Professor Na’Allah said the University in line with its world-class aspiration has been unrelenting in research activities.
” Given that sound research provides the bedrock for proper teaching and meaningful community service, this Administration has since inception been providing the necessary wherewithal, including relevant centres and structures, mandates, and support that have boosted the research profile and standing of the University.
“For instance, the new centres supporting and expanding the scope of research in the University include the Centre for Undergraduate Research, the Centre for Training and Research, and the Centre for Sponsored Projects, which is the centralized grant support and research management outfit for the University.
“Another research centre that has brought recognition to the University is the Centre of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Research and Training through groundoreaking research in partnership with investigators from 23 clinical sites across the country and with institutions within and outside Africa.
“The University of Abuja is also noted as a leading centre for cardiovascular research, heavy metal poisoning, sociology, and economics,” he said.
The Kwara-born Na’Allah also revealed that UniAbuja had recently secured and activated a dedicated electricity line for its main campus, making it to enjoy at least 20 hours a day, even as the institution obtained a licence to operate a microfinance bank.
While listing other feats recorded by the University, which ranges from massive development of infrastructure to robust training of staff, among others, the VC said the institution would soon roll out a postgraduate training programme on Philanthropism and Social Innovation.
“A University committee is currently drawing up curriculum and combing the world for best examples that the University can draw from, such as the programmes in Indiana and Colorado,” he said.
On his part, visitor to the University, President Bola Tinubu, commended the management of the institution for the various achievements recorded, which have changed the narrative of UniAbuja.
Represented by the Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Zaphaniah Jisalo, Tinubu restated the commitment of his administration to ensure autonomy for tertiary education institutions in order to bring about quality education.
“Quality education for all is a central target of the renewed hope agenda and the President is committed to hasten the delivery of quality education by implementing policies that would prioritize technological base learning resource,” he said.
According to him, one of the key strategies proposed in the renewed hope agenda is the ability of universities to source funds through grants and corporate sponsorship, promoting self sustainability and reducing dependency on the Federal Government.
“By granting financial autonomy, institutions can be effectively manage funds to enhance competitiveness, strive for excellence in education,” he added.
While expressing special delight over UniAbuja’s agricultural projects which have impacted greatly on the society as well as the planned microfinance bank, Tinubu
advised the graduating students to be good ambassadors of the University and contribute their quota to national development.
Earlier, acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Chris Maiyaki, who also assured of the readiness of Federal Government to reposition the nation’s education sector, said the President would soon reconstitute governing councils of universities.
“Efforts are ongoing to reconstitute the governing councils of the universities so as to reinvigorate the institutions in line with the renewed hope mandate of my administration.
“When inaugurated, the councils will be expected to commence, immediately, the implementation of the white paper on the reports of the various visitation panels in their respective universities.
“Let it be known that government will neither accept nor condone any shoddy performance in the implementation of the white paper, nor the overall mandate of the new governing councils,” he said.
The AUTHORITY reports that the graduation ceremony, which also attracted the Emir of Bauchi and Chancellor of the University , Alhaji Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, also witnessed the presence of key stakeholders in the nation’s education sector as well as goodwill messages from other universities.
