The former speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has appealed to Nigerians to have faith in the country, adding that Nigeria will come out stronger in 2023.
Dogara stated this in Owo at the weekend during his speech at the 12th convocation and 15th foundation ceremonies of Achievers University, Owo (AUO), Ondo State.
The former speaker who is equally the Chancellor of the University, noted that the ceremonies of the institution, is happening at a time when Nigeria is getting ready for another round of elections.
“We cannot look away as stakeholders in the Nigeria project, it is therefore imperative that we have a voice in moving the Nation forward. I wish to strongly appeal to you and other Nigerians to have faith in Nigeria. Whatever challenges we are facing today shall definitely become history,” he said.
Dogara also praised President Muhammadu Buhari over his approval of the new electoral reforms, which according to him will ensure the credibility of next year’s elections.
“Permit me at this juncture to commend President Buhari for ensuring radical reforms in the electoral process to make votes count, most especially in the use of BVAS. If Mr President follows through and walks his talks he would bequeath a democratic legacy that has no parallels in Africa. I believe Mr President has a date with history for he may yet be a true hero of democracy. I urge him to carry the reforms across the finish line as it is only then that we can truly say we finally got the leaders that we elected and deserve,” he said.
The Pro-Chancellor of the University, Hon. Dr Bode Ayorinde, noted the growth in the institution in the last 15 years, adding that the next few years will witness more developments.
Ayorinde disclosed that staff of the institution will as from January, 2023 be enlisted with Pension Administrators of their choice, while the University will also implement the salary increment inline with the adjustment of ASUU.
“Our 20 years anniversary shall be celebrated with the increase from 5 colleges to 8 colleges, from about 800 staff to over 1000 staff, from 3500 students to over 8000 students, from heads of departments that use person all cars to heads of departments that are chauffeur-driven, from a university where the principal officers live in town to that in which they live in staff quarters, from a university with few research findings to a university leading in research for human and societal development, from a university having 90% accredited programmed to a University with 100% full accreditation in all programmes,” he said.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Aje, disclosed that the University is releasing 520 graduands, having been satisfied in learning and character.
Prof. Aje who added that the 2022/2023 admission exercise is still ongoing, disclosed that the free tuition arrangement is still on for 12 courses in institution.
“We equally note the benevolence of the Governing Council by offering 50% tuition scholarship for the UTME and Direct Entry candidates in the Engineering Programmes.
“While thanking God for the journey so far, we are believing Him as well as working assiduously to improve on all existing facilities on ground and commence the running of programmes in Medicine, Pharmacy and Aviation,” he said.
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