NDU Produces 69 First-Class Graduates in Combined Convocation, Establishes ODL Centres and Modular Refinery
...145 Bag PhDs
The Bayelsa State owned University, Niger Delta University, NDU, Wilberforce Island, is set to confer degrees on 6536 students during its 7th combined convocation ceremony slated for the 15th of May,2025.
Among the graduating students for the academic session, 69 have achieved First Class honours in Bachelor’s Degrees, while 1946 achieved Second Class Upper Division Honours, 3009 got Second Class Lower Division Honours, with 699 in Third Class Level, and 3 Pass.
While the Higher Degrees, are 458 Masters degrees, 16 Professional Diplomas, 191
Postgraduate Diplomas, and 145
Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs).
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Allen A. Agih, who
made the remark during the Pre-convocation Press Conference on Monday, at the Institution Senate building, said the convocation ceremony will also mark 25 Years old with the Bill establishing the University signed into Law on the 15th May, 2000 by late Chief D. S. P. Alamieyeseigha of blessed memory.
He disclosed that the institution will also celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the University/ Founder’s Day and an Endowment Fund Launch before the end of the year.”
He also announced that the institution has resolved to contribute it’s quota to solving societal challenges which include issues of security, poverty,climate change and others with the creations of centers and institutes including Institute of Climate Change (ICC); Institute of Natural Medicine (INM); Data Analytics and Students’ Placement Centre (DAC)and Open and Distance Learning Centre (ODL)
Also to be established is the Niger Delta University Business School (NDU Bus Schl) and the Niger Delta University Microfinance Bank; and NDU Modular Refinery.
According to him, the Niger Delta University has progressed from a teaching University to a (R&D) University with the establishment of the following institutes and centres to further advance the mandate of a University in the 21st Century.
He said “the license for the modular refinery was acquired before I became Vice-Chancellor, but we are making plans to go into full operation now.These are part of our success story. The centres and institutes are still at their formative stages. However, in the nearest future these centres and institutes will transform the University most significantly.”
“All the centres and institutes have commenced operation and we believe that in the nearest future, activities in these centres and institutes will positively impact on the economic and general well-being of Bayelsans, and indeed, the general public.”
” It is important to state here that these centres and institutes are not only for academic purposes, but they are set up intentionally to provide relevant skills and capacity development for sustainable living.”
“We encourage the MDAs, particularly the Local Government Areas to partner with the University to empower the youths, and especially the women in relevant areas for sustainable livelihood.”
He also announced that the institution has activated the NDU Research Farm, with acquisition of four hectares of land and we have successfully planted Vitamin A Cassava. Within six months, the Cassava will be harvested, processed, packaged and sold as either Vitamin A Garri or Vitamin A fufu.
We also have a Cassava stem multiplication farm which will be ready for harvesting at the next planting season.
Agriculture and Natural medicine are some of the areas that we have competitive advantages, and we are doing all we can to develop the two areas to our advantage.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Allen A. Agih, also commended the various partners and others involved in collaboration with the University saying their genuine partnership has led to a more robust advance research and development.
He pointed out that these collaboration come from within and outside the country and they include the University of Wolverhampton, UK,
Kwazulu-natal University, South Africa, Research Professional, South Africa, Santa Clara University, California, United States of America (Prof Tokunbo Ogunfunmi presented the second public lecture in NDU on, Artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning revolution with applications).
Also appreciated is the University of West Indies, Trinidad & Tobago (Prof Mark Wuddivira who presented the third public lecture on, Enhancing sustainable agriculture and food security through human capital development, research and innovation in climate sensitive environments), the Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA), (Prof Kola Ajibesin who presented the 4th public lecture on, Natural Medicine: The Mainstream of Global Systems of Medicine), the Mary-Martha College of Nursing, Ole, College of Theology and Seminary, Irri and the Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education, Sagbama, etc.
He commended the Bayelsa State Government and many others for their tremendous support for infrastructural development and other areas of capacity development for the University. He also identified the Bayelsa State Education Trust Fund, Bavelsa State Higher Education Students Loans Board, TETFund, NELfund, NDDC, NCDMB, SNEPCo,
SPDC, NNPC, PTDF and the NCC.
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