Owerri – The Imo State University on Friday awarded 419 first-class degrees to deserving graduates at its seventh convocation ceremony in Owerri.
Also, 10,417 second-class upper degrees, 29,220 second-class lower division, 3,776 third-class degrees and 29 pass degrees were awarded.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Adaobi Obasi, described the convocation as the recognition and celebration of the academic achievements of the graduates.
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expressed the hope that the graduates would be inspired to make greater exploits and valuable contributions to the society.
The vice-chancellor also commended the parents and guardians of the graduating students for their contributions to the education of their children and wards.
She said the university had in the seven years since its last convocation secured the accreditation of almost all the academic programmes.
Obasi, however, noted with regret that the carrying capacity of the university was not enough to accommodate the numerous candidates who applied yearly for admission.
She urged capable citizens of Imo all over the world to establish private universities in the state to cater to the deserving ones who were not admitted into the university.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Gov. Rochas Okorocha urged the graduates to develop their talents and contribute their quota to the society as jobs were not readily available.
Okorocha also urged the lecturers to research widely in order to improve the quality of graduates turned out each year.
He reaffirmed his determination to ensure that the university gained a pride of place among the universities in the country.
Describing education as “life and the greatest gift to any child,” the governor said that the state would continue to enjoy free education.
Okorocha also performed the official installation of Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Group as the new chancellor of the university.
In his address, Chukwuma described the honour as a “solemn call to contribute toward lifting the university to enviable heights”.
He appealed to philanthropists to extend their goodwill to the university through endowments, sponsorship of fellowships and donation of equipment, buildings and furnishing. (NAN)
