…Announces Six First-Class Graduands
By Stanley Okehie
Claretian University of Nigeria, Nekede, Owerri, Imo State, has held its maiden convocation ceremony at the university’s premises.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor, Very Rev. Prof. Wence Madu, announced a total of 64 graduates: six with first-class honours, 42 with second-class upper division, 15 with second-class lower division, and one with third-class honours.
He congratulated the graduands and urged them to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution.
Prof. Madu recalled that the university commenced academic activities in November 2021 with 71 students drawn from 11 states of the federation. He noted that Claretian University provides a stimulating and supportive environment where students can develop their potential, deepen their understanding of the world, and engage with society to advance justice and peace.
He expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for prioritizing education through the approval of licenses for states, individuals, organizations, and faith-based bodies to establish new universities, saying it reflects the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality tertiary education for the socio-economic transformation of the nation.
The Vice Chancellor also appreciated the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for his unwavering support.
He appealed for an endowment fund to help the university address critical infrastructural needs, including the provision of a 509KW solar renewable energy system and the establishment of a medical faculty, among others.
In his remarks, the Chancellor of the University, Senator Jack-Tilley Gyado, lamented that despite the Federal Government’s efforts in educational development, the desired progress has yet to be achieved, as the nation still relies heavily on imported goods. He commended Claretian University for taking a bold step toward self-empowerment and urged Nigerian tertiary institutions to confront the challenges of self-sustenance by embracing context-driven, productive education.
Other speakers at the event, including the representative of AgriCare Foundation, USA and Brazil, Dr. Scott Mickelsen, and the representative of the Supreme General of Claretian Missionaries, Reverend Father Matthew Vattamattam, advised the graduands to uphold the values of truth, faith, and charity, and to continually support their alma mater with their time, talent, and resources.
A major highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of the Prof. Chrys Ogbozo Memorial Library and the presentation of cash awards by NETPRO Africa: ₦500,000 to the best graduating student, Agbochini Mary Natalie Ene of the Computer Science Department, who graduated with a CGPA of 5.00, and ₦250,000 to Ezenwankwo Chinechedo Divinelove of the Cyber Security Department, who graduated with a CGPA of 4.69.
