From Celestine Ihejirika, Jalingo
Taraba State University (TSU), last Saturday, concluded its combined convocation ceremony in Jalingo with a charge by the State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, urging the institution to look beyond awarding certificates and position itself as a centre for research, innovation and practical solutions to societal challenges.
Governor Kefas, while congratulating the graduates on the successful completion of their academic pursuits, also commended the university management for successfully hosting the convocation ceremony.
The governor, while highlighting some of the achievements of his administration, noted that significant progress had been recorded despite the numerous challenges inherited upon assuming office.
According to him, his administration had reduced tuition fees in higher institutions across the state to expand access to tertiary education and ease the financial burden on students and their families.
The governor further disclosed that the administration had supported the accreditation of several academic programmes, secured approval for the induction of Medical Laboratory Science students, and facilitated the admission of Law graduates into the Nigerian Law School.
While reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the education sector, the governor urged the university to move beyond the award of certificates and position itself as a centre for research, innovation and practical solutions to societal challenges.
He charged the institution to produce graduates equipped not only with academic knowledge but also with the skills and creativity needed to address real-world problems.
The governor further advised the graduating students to embrace entrepreneurship, create opportunities for others, and contribute meaningfully to the development of Taraba State and Nigeria at large.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 700-capacity lecture theatre complex, female hostels and other facilities, Governor Kefas reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through sustained investment in infrastructure and human capital development.
He said the government would continue to support the university to enable it to provide quality education and produce graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills required to contribute meaningfully to the development of Taraba State and Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Paul Bako, described Taraba State University as a fast-growing institution, noting that its expanding academic programmes, infrastructure, institutional development and accreditation achievements had continued to attract students from within and outside the state.
He said about 25,000 graduates from four academic sessions were conferred with various degrees at the combined convocation.
Prof. Bako urged the graduates to become good ambassadors of the university, shun the pursuit of immediate gratification, uphold integrity and develop problem-solving skills.
The Vice Chancellor also encouraged them to use the knowledge acquired meaningfully to contribute to national development.
He appreciated the state governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, for changing the narrative of the state’s university and pledged to work assiduously to justify the confidence reposed in him, while thanking the state government’s team, management and staff of the university for making the occasion a success.
