The management of Clifford University has been advised against compromising standards in order to attract students who may pollute the academic environment. The institution is therefore enjoined to admit students who are teachable and are prepared to go through the rigours of academic training. Abia state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu gave the advice at the maiden convocation ceremony of Clifford University, Ihie, in Isiala Ngwa North local government area.
He urged the pioneer graduands to be good ambassadors of the institution in order to be useful to their families and the larger society. The Governor who commended Dr. Deji Adeleke for his philanthropy, announced cash award for best graduating student in Biochemistry and a scholarship to pursue a Masters’ degree programme. Governor Ikpeazu also annouced cash award for best graduating students in other faculties, 20 fresh and 20 indigent students.
In his address earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Clifford University, Prof. Chimezie Omeonu, traced the history of the institution, its challenges and appreciated the invaluable contributions of Its founding fathers. Prof. Omeonu who commended the graduands for the goodwill they brought to the institution, pointed out that what they need are good role models that would enable them to shape their own characters.
“These young graduates are among those that will show the light and Nigerians will find the way to life. There are some of them that so distinguished themselves that it’s almost difficult to allow them to go”.
In a paper entitled “impact of Covid-19 pandemic on health and tertiary education, challenges and concern; a paradigm shift”, the guest speaker, Prof. Arthur Chuemere of University of Port Harcourt, said the disease among others, had provided an opportunity to rebuild the nation’s health and educational systems.
Prof. Chuemere said “we all have to contribute to the response to Covid-19 by engaging with sound science and data to help our country strengthen preparedness for future epidemics and other emergencies”.
The climax of the event was the award of degrees and prizes to the graduating students.
Honourary degree of Letters was awarded to Prod. Joseph Ola and Pastor Gideon Nwaogwugwu, former President, Eastern Nigeria Union Mission.
Clifford University is owned by the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
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