Four hundred and twenty-six graduates of the Western Delta University (WDU), Oghara, Ethiope West council area of Delta state, are earmarked for a combined convocation ceremony of the varsity today.
The Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli; Amb. Kim Young Chae, Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to Nigeria and three others would bag honorary doctorates at the ceremony.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Augustine Ikelegbe, disclosed this while briefing reporters on some achievements recorded in the university, Friday.
He stated that the convocation which comprises the 11th to 13th set of graduands, including the first set of Postgraduate graduands (four in postgraduate Diplomas and 14 in Masters of Science), would hold at the varsity’s main campus in Oghara.
“426 students will receive first degrees at this convocation; with 18 earning First Class, 147 in the Second Class Upper, 218 in the second Class Lower and 43 in the Third Class categories,” the VC noted.
Speaking on their achievements, he disclosed that unlike some private schools, WDU has all its programmes fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC), “with one exception that is an interim accreditation.”
Positing that the institution is redefining the idea of a university in Nigeria despite being less than two decades old, Ikelegbe said: “We are a proud player in the private university system which is leading the trail in quality education, the application of audio-visual learning facilities, the application of ICT and digital technology in Nigeria today.”
He further thanked the WDU Visitor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, for his support towards the school.
Some of the facilities as listed by Prof Ikelegbe a Center for Learning Resources comprising the Main Library and e-Library in the Main Campus, and libraries for the College of Law at Ijomi Campus, the College of Applied Health Sciences at the Take-Off Campus and the College of Computing in the Main Campus.
Others are upgrade of the network infrastructure, establishment and equipping of more laboratories, introduction of audio-visual teaching aids, international Universities collaborations, sufficient hostel accommodation, as well as other infrastructural facilities.
Ikelegbe added, “for the first time after 15 years of operations and service, WDU will confer honorary degrees on deserving personalities; the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli; Amb. Kim Young Chae, Republic of Korea’s Ambassador to Nigeria; Dr. (Mrs.) Ajoritsedere Awosika, a retired Permanent Secretary; and uncommon entrepreneurs, Mr. Oritsedere Otubu, Chairman of Eko Disco and Mr. Igho Okotete; Chairman of Pioneer Global Resource and Integrated Energy Limited.”
The Vice Chancellor asserted that the award of honorary doctorate degrees is building a new layer and network of friendship, stakeholder-ship, partnership and mutual support, which would strengthen our resolve and strides for greater development and contributions.”
[TheNation]