BY SAM DUVWODE
Delta State Government has reaffirm its commitment in continuing to offer its contributions and support towards the growth and development of tertiary institutions in the State.
The Delta State Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro Stated this yesterday, during the maiden convocation ceremony of Edwin Clark University (ECU) Kiagbodo, in Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State.
Barr. Otuaro who appreciated university’s Governing Council, management and Staff for acknowledging government’s support towards the institution said, the state government as part of its educational policy drive will continue to offer its contribution and collaboration in order to advance the great course for which the university was established.
Barr. Otuaro while congratulating the graduands, urge them to be great ambassadors of the university. According to him; “there is no gain-saying the fact that you have seamlessly pass through the required tutorage, you have been build through character and learning. We expect that you thrive in that great path wherever you find yourself in this country and beyond”. He said.
The state deputy governor who advised the graduands to leverage on the State government policy on post-graduate scholarship award said;
“For those of you who are of Delta origin, we urge you to indentify with the State government policy on post-graduate scholarship award for students with First Class Degree. I want to assure students of Delta origin with First Class degree of this great university that you are qualified for the post-graduate scholarship award. So, I urge you to leverage on this policy in advancing your educational career”. Barr. Otuaro stated.
Barr. Otuaro also congratulated the founder and Chancellor of ECU, Chief Dr. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, for his great vision in establishing the unversity and prayed God to continue to protect and strengthen the life of the elder statesman.
Earlier, in an address, the Founder and Chancellor of ECU, Chief Edwin Clark, OFR, CON, noted that, as an educationist, he had desired to establish a University to provide quality education to the Niger Delta people in particular and to Nigerians in general.
According to him” This great idea came into realization at the age of 85 when I revealed my desire to apply for licence to establish a University which will fulfill my dream of opening up the Niger Delta region educationally and attract youth, men and women to the oil rich region in their search for knowledge”. He said.
Also, the Pro-Chancellor of the University, Prof. E.J. Alagoa J.P, noted that, the Governing Council of ECU as part of the epoch making inaugural convocation found it fitting and proper to mark it with academic awards.
He noted that, the Council found the immediate Past President and Commander in Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR deserving of the highest honour of the University, the award of the honorary degree of D.Sc (honoris causa).
Prof. Alagoa also commended the Governments of Delta and Bayelsa States for their financial assistance in funding the Mass Communication Building and Studio.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Olagbemiro, noted that ECU at its first convocation was graduating a total of 41 students, who have proved themselves worthy in character and learning in each of the following Faculties; Faculty of Humanities, Social and Management Sciences, 27 and Faculty of Science 14 graduands respectively.
He added that, ECU is awarding 7 graduands with First Class Honours, 18 graduands with Second Class Honours Upper Division while 16 graduands were being awarded with Second Class Honours Lower Division.
The vice chancellor said, ECU vision and mission in reviving the lost core values of integrity, respect, obedience, service, love and care in societal value system, has been a great global challenge.
He noted that, to surmount this challenge, functional education, embedded with moral values and good ethical behaviour cannot be undermined. He added that, the task of grooming young men and women from diverse religion and socio-cultural backgrounds under a single umbrella, has been highly revealing and very challenging.