The National Universities Commission (NUC) has warned Nigerian universities against cutting corners, stressing that strict compliance with academic regulations is key to producing graduates who can meet Nigeria’s needs and compete globally.
The warning was given by the Executive Secretary of the NUC, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, at the 10th convocation ceremony of Gregory University Uturu (GUU), Abia State, where 409 students graduated.
Represented by Mr Chukwuemeka Offor, Ribadu said the Commission remains committed to strengthening the Nigerian university system and supporting institutions to pursue excellence. He explained that ongoing reforms, including the shift from Benchmark Minimum Academic Standards to Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards, are designed to prioritise 21st-century employability skills.
Addressing the graduates, the founder of the university, Professor Gregory Ibe, challenged them to apply their knowledge to Nigeria’s pressing problems such as food insecurity, economic instability and insecurity, urging them to face challenges boldly “like David confronting Goliath.”
The Chancellor, Mr Okechukwu Gregory Ibe, reaffirmed the university’s mission of raising leaders for Africa, while the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Augustine Uwakwe, reminded the graduates that education goes beyond earning a living. “It is about questioning, imagining a better world and making meaningful contributions,” he said.
In her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Cele Njoku, said the 13-year-old university has recorded steady academic growth, noting that all its programmes are fully accredited. She added that GUU’s Institute of Foreign Languages offers certificate and diploma courses in several global languages, with Certificates 1 and 2 made compulsory for all 200-level students.
The convocation also attracted financial support, with two of the three honorary doctorate awardees donating a combined ₦50 million to the university. Those honoured included former Enugu State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Dr Linus Nto Mba; and businessman Dr Okenze Sylvester Obinna.
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche, praised the university’s progress and pledged government support in addressing its challenges without discrimination.
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