Prof.Johnson Akubo, VC, Salem University, Lokoja.
By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
Salem University, Lokoja in kogi state has selected a veteran Journalist,Mrs Eugenia Abu to deliver its,5th convocation lecture scheduled for November 24,2022.
The Vice Chancellor of the university,Prof. Johnson Akubo, made the disclosure on Wednesday in his office while briefing Journalists on the planned event.
He said:” First, the ceremony of this unique convocation for the release of 2022 change agents will begin with convocation lecture which is titled, “Beyond the 2023 General Electíons, the role of the media in deepening democracy in Nigeria,” scheduled for Thursday, November 24th at our Law College Auditorium at 12 noon.
“The guest lecturer to do justice to this topic is no other person than one of you,a veteran Journalist per excellence,Mrs Eugenia Abu, the Managing partner and Chief Executive, Eugenia Abu Media and former Executive Director,programmes,NTA.”
Mrs Eugenia Abu.
Photo credit: Word Press.com.
According to the VC, the choice of the topic of the lecture was delibrate, noting that electíons,globally, remained the very plain and transparent means of electing credible leaders upon the eleçtorate in a bid to meet the desired growth and development of nations.
Prof. Akubo said that Nigeria as a developing nation is at the threshold of yet another democratic dispensation with the forthcoming 2023 general elections that must be properly superintended by the most revered umpire,the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC.
According to him,INEC is expected to be permitted to beqeath to Nigeria, “very free, fair and transparent electíon come 2023 for the smooth political transition, devoid of doubt and violence that could jeopardise the journey of the 4th republic that has raised hope for Nigerians.
“The media, invariably, have a great role to play as the watch dog of the society by ensuring that all electioneering campaigns and the conduct of the election are well reported for the approval of Nigeria and the international community.
“Journalists must be seen to be unbiased and display their professionalism in plausible ways and manners,” he added.
The VC said that the 5th convocation ceremony would be the first of its kind he would host as the 4th substantive VC, Salem University.
He said the institution is as one of faith-based of its kind in Nigeria, not only dishing out knowledge to students (global leaders) but also serving them with spiritual food to enable them take their life seriously with the fear of God towards fulfilling their destinies.
“Having been painstakingly established by a man of very large heart, ArchBishop Sam Amaga, the Presiding Archbishop,Foundation Faith Church,world wide,the university has the following accredited courses.
“The courses are: Law, Mass communication, Accounting, International relations and Diplomacy,
Criminology and Security studies, Economics, Business Administration,
English language, Educatuon and many more.”according to Prof.Akubo.
He noted that inspite of many challenges, the university had achieved some modest feats, including accreditation of all its programmes by the National Universities Commission,NUC and mobilisation of its first set of law graduates for their mandatory one year programme at the Nigerian law school, among other accomplishments.
He expressed gratitude to the Arch Bishop Sam Amaga, associates, friends and all other stakeholders for their toil, sacrifices and good will in driving the university from its humble beginning to a formidable institution the university had become since its establishment in 2006.
The VC, who singled out Archbishop Amaga for providing all the infrastructure development of the university, expressed the resolve of the institution to open more colleges such as Medicine, Agriculture, Engineering and a host of others.
This he said became necessary in the interest of the teaming youths,in and outside the shores of Nigeria, looking for admission to learn, be responsible people and patriots in nation building.
He further said,”On the number of students we are graduating during this period, we have about 960 graduands for 2019-2020 convocation, comprising four sets in the interest of the teaming youths in and outside the country ,
The VC called on the graduands to keep to total upholding of the university’s core values, bordering on academic and moral excellence in their endeavours.
He stressed,”It is our belief that they will continue to distinguish themselves and make good ambassadors of Salem University.”
