Over 4,000 graduates urged to uphold values of discipline, excellence at IAUE Convocation
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to educational development, warning that cultism, examination malpractices, and other forms of misconduct will no longer be tolerated in the state’s tertiary institutions.
Speaking at the 43rd Convocation Ceremony of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, on Saturday, Ibas, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika, emphasized the importance of institutional discipline and academic excellence in building a productive society.
He described the convocation theme, “The University Culture in Practice: The IAUE Experience,” as timely, stressing that higher institutions must rise above mediocrity and demonstrate leadership in character and learning.
“A thriving university culture is one that not only teaches but transforms,” Ibas stated. “It builds bridges between learning and leadership, knowledge and character. It equips young men and women not just for employment but for purposeful citizenship.”
The Sole Administrator commended the IAUE management for achieving full accreditation of 47 academic programs and implementing the National Universities Commission (NUC)’s Core Curriculum Minimum Academic Standards, calling the efforts “not just compliance, but vision.”
He further urged the graduating students, 2,887 first-degree holders and 1,492 postgraduates, to carry the values and discipline instilled in them into the wider world.
“I urge the student body to rise above distractions and embrace the deeper call of education to become builders of a better society,” Ibas said. “We will not tolerate cultism, fraud, harassment, or any form of indiscipline in our tertiary institutions.”
Also speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who was conferred with a Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.), announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of specialized universities across the country.
These include the Federal University of Agriculture and Development Studies, Osun State; Federal University of Environment and Technology, Rivers State; and the Federal University of Technology and Environmental Science, Ekiti State. He also revealed the upgrade of 38 Federal and State Technical Colleges nationwide.
In his address, Acting Vice Chancellor of IAUE, Prof. Okechuku Onuchuku, noted that the institution had matured into a reputable academic hub and encouraged graduates to embody the values of the university in their future pursuits.
“This celebration is a turning point. It is a call to show the world that you deserve the degrees you’ve earned, both in character and in competence,” Onuchuku said.
He disclosed that among the 1,492 postgraduate graduands, 306 received Doctorate degrees, 812 earned Master’s degrees, and 374 obtained Postgraduate Diplomas.
The ceremony attracted dignitaries, scholars, students, and well-wishers, all celebrating the university’s progress and the bright prospects of its graduating class.