BY SAM DUVWODE
Just as the Delta State Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, congratulates his wife, Her Excellency, Engr. Mrs Ebierin Otuaro on her conferment with Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Civil Engineering by the University of Benin, the Chancellor, University of Benin, His Royal Highness Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi 11, has charged faculties of Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine, Education as well as others, to take advantage of the Public Private Partner window to complement the economic diversification policy of the present administration.
Muhammad Sanusi 11, who gave the charge at the 44th Convocation/48th Founder’s Day ceremony of the University of Benin, noted that, universities the world over, are primarily set up to impact on their immediate environments.
According to him, one of the vehicle that can be used to achieve this, is the Public Private Partnership initiative of the federal government which is being satisfactorily utilized in filling infrastructure deficit in universities.
The chancellor while congratulating the new Masters and Doctor of Philosophy degree holders, charge new graduands to be confident, focused and persevere with determination to contribute their quota towards the socio-economic and political develooment of the nation.
He advised youths not to allow themselves to be recruited as political thugs by politicians to perpetuate illegal activities that endangers their lives and the lives of innocent citizens.
The Delta State Deputy Governor, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro while felicitating with his wife, on her conferment with Doctor of Philosophy Ph.D, in Civil Engineering, expressed thanks to God for a successful completion of the programme.
Barr. Otuaro, who spoke to newsmen, expressed optimism that Dr. Mrs Otuaro’s doctorate degree award will open a new vista to her spirit of innovation, initiative, courage, sacrifice as well as her leadership quality in the field of engineering.
The state deputy governor who describe his wife as a woman of uncommon dedication to the service of God and humanity, used the occasion to reaffirm the Senator Govenor Okowa-led government commitment in the development of the education sector in Delta State.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Benin, Prof. F. F. O. Orumwense, noted that the 44th convocation ceremony has a total of 11, 832 graduates admitted into various diplomas and degrees of the unversity that includes; 134 First Class Degree, 2122 Second Class Upper, 4864 Second Class Lower, 84 Diploma, 240 Doctorate Degree (PhD), 2207 Masters among others.
He noted that, the modest achievement of the university’s administration at ensuring peace in the campus is borne out of the belief that noting can be achieve in an atmosphere of rancour.
In line with University tradition, Professor Augustine Alenezela Orhue of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, was awarded Professor Emeritus of the University of Benin while His Grace, Most Reverend Margaret Benson-Idahosa was awarded D. Lift (Doctor of Letters) Honoris Causa for her outstanding contributions to education and human capital development in Nigeria.