President Goodluck Jonathan has urged other Nigerian universities to emulate the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) even as and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, hailed the school for its rising profile. Both men spoke yesterday at Nsukka, South –East Nigeria, during the 42nd Convocation of the UNN.

Jonathan congratulated “the Governing Council and management of the university for its notable achievements within the context of enhanced government support to the educational sector since the beginning of this administration.”

In the words of the Nigerian leader, “The ongoing infrastructural developments in the university are quite commendable. They could not have been achieved without prudent management of resources. With the success UNN has achieved, I need not over-emphasise the need for other institutions of higher learning to emulate this good model, for accelerating the planning and development of their institutions. As one of Nigeria’s oldest Universities, UNN should continue to lead the way towards better standards of teaching, administration and research.

“Although our universities, including UNN, continue to climb the ladder in comparative worldwide universities ranking, they must not rest on their recent achievements. There is plenty of room for improvement, especially in the fields of research and technology. This administration will continue to support you to attain greater heights.”

On his part, Anyim commended the rising profile of UNN in scholarship and infrastructural development and pledged personal support for its continued growth.

Speaking on behalf of himself and other recipients of honourary degrees of the UNN (INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, Diamond Bank GMD Dr. Alex Otti, and GTBank founding MD Mr. Fola Adeola), Anyim said the university has a secured future given the premium the University Management placed on building the future by recruiting its First Class graduates into its fold.

Hear the former Senate President: “I agree that the profile of UNN is rising beyond the imagination of many. The university is on the right path to growth, development and excellence.”

Anyim pledged that he and the other honourary alumni of the university would support the University Management in its pursuit of excellence through scholarship and research, infrastructure and enabling environment and development of human capacity.

During a two-day Convocation ceremonies, UNN awarded its first and higher degrees to 19, 880 graduands. There were 18, 150 First degree holders and 1, 730 post graduate degrees.

One hundred and sixteen students made First Class honours while 195 others bagged Doctorate degrees.