President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has affirmed his commitment to addressing the recurring disruptions of academic activities in universities across Nigeria. This pledge was made during his speech at the 2nd Convocation ceremony of Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN), held in Ibusa, Delta State. Represented by the Director of Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Stella Ogochukwu, President Tinubu reiterated the federal government’s determination to enhance the welfare of both teaching and non-teaching staff in the country.
In his address, President Tinubu commended the Navy for leveraging education as a mechanism to tackle national challenges. He also praised the management of the institution, describing its uninterrupted academic calendar as a significant achievement. “We are assuring you of the resolve of the FG to continue to pay premium attention to quality education at all levels,” he stated emphatically.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by his Deputy, Monday Onyeme, expressed delight at the remarkable progress made by the university within a short period. Governor Oborevwori lauded the institution’s advancements in Information Technology (IT) and expressed confidence that the graduating students are well-versed in IT knowledge.
Furthermore, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, acknowledged the Navy’s significant contributions to the development of the institution. He commended the university’s management for nurturing a new generation of leaders, affirming, “We are happy you are investing in the future of our nation through education.”
Professor Paul Omaji, the Vice Chancellor of the university, emphasized the institution’s core values of integrity and respect for hard work. He highlighted these as the guiding principles of ADUN.
During the Convocation lecture, Yusuf Gagdi, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Navy, encouraged the graduating students to embody resilience. He also called on government authorities at all levels to involve the youth in decision-making processes. Gagdi emphasized the necessity of engaging youths in politics and various activities to harness their creativity and prevent events similar to the ENDSARS movement.
In his valedictory speech themed “Be a Solution,” Victor Bodunrin, the Best Graduating Student, urged his fellow graduates to embrace external challenges and strive to be catalysts for change. “My fellow graduates, I hope you know that there are challenges out there; the time for complaining is over. It is time to be a solution to the problems of our society,” he passionately conveyed.
The commitment of President Tinubu, the laudable progress of Admiralty University of Nigeria, and the enlightening words of the Convocation speakers exhibit a collective determination to advance education and empower the next generation of leaders in Nigeria.
