RSUST Graduates 3,541, Saturday

A total of 3,541 graduands are billed to receive graduate certificate, postgraduate diplomas and higher degrees in various specializations at this Saturday’s convocation of Nigeria’s premier University of Science and Technology, the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Barineme Fakae made this known at a press briefing at the University’s Senate Chamber  Monday to give in sight to activities lined up for the 24th Convocation ceremony of the institution.

Fakae, who gave a breakdown of the figure said 3,219 will receive first degrees, while 85 will receive postgraduate diplomas, 215 masters, 22 doctorate degree with 3 first class honours.

A major highlight of the event, according to him, would be conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law (Honoris Causa) on Hon Odein Ajumogobia (SAN), former Minister of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria.

He described Ajumogobia as a distinguished Nigerian of high public reputation and impeccable character, noting that the university’s council and Senate decided to honour  Ajumogobia in recognition of his exemplary public conduct and contribution to national development.

Fakae said other events scheduled for the convocation week would include a football match and a public lecture, entitled fulfilling the mandate, RSUST, to be delivered by Emaritus Professor Nimi Briggs.

He noted that those graduating have been found worthy having passed through the e-technology system that exposed them to all aspect of learning and could confidently defend themselves anywhere.

He remarked that the e-technology brought into the university system by his administration mounted a formidable check on examination malpractices to the frustration of perpetrators’.

Describing  the change in the institution as a moving train, Fakae enjoined his critics especially unions in the institution to join hands in making the university realise the dreams of its founding fathers which the e-technology aims at.

On the security situation during the convocation ceremony, the VC reassured that security strategies have been put in place to guarantee safety lives and property even though he declined to give details of the security arrangement put in place for the occasion.

Chris Oluoh