In a noteworthy stance to uphold academic integrity in Nigerian universities, President Bola Tinubu has issued a firm caution against the indiscriminate conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees. This stern admonition came during the combined convocation ceremony for the 6th, 7th, and 8th batches of graduates from the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), held in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on a recent Saturday.
President Bola Tinubu’s Message Emphasizes Integrity in Honorary Degrees
During the convocation ceremony at the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), President Bola Tinubu’s sentiments were conveyed by Mr. Chris Maiyaki, the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC). President Tinubu emphasized the importance of conferring degrees upon individuals who not only demonstrate academic competence but also embody exemplary character and learning.
He underscored that the genuine worth of university education extends beyond academic prowess and professional training. It encompasses moral training and adherence to ethical standards, which are integral for the collective endeavor of nation-building. President Tinubu’s message highlights the need for universities to uphold rigorous criteria in conferring Honorary Doctorate Degrees, ensuring that recipients reflect both academic excellence and exemplary character.
Key Highlights from President Tinubu’s Address
- Upholding Integrity: The President highlighted the crucial role of universities in modelling the highest standards of integrity, probity, and moral discipline within their academic and administrative realms.
- Concern over Honorary Degrees: A specific concern was raised regarding the trend of some institutions diluting the prestige of their degrees by indiscriminately awarding honorary doctorates, deviating from established academic practices.
- Criteria for Honorary Degrees: Honorary degrees, as stated by President Tinubu, should be reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to society, thereby preserving the honour and significance of such recognitions.
Promises of Support and Infrastructure Development
President Tinubu also pledged unwavering support to address the needs of universities and their communities, aiming to reposition them for enhanced output. A commitment was made to tackle the infrastructural deficit plaguing Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions, ensuring a conducive environment for learning and development.
Governor Commends FULafia’s Efforts and Pledges Support for First Class Graduates
In a message of goodwill, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State commended the management of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia) for their dedication to student training. He pledged to provide entrepreneurial training and financial support to all First Class graduates from the institution. This initiative is a part of a comprehensive effort to empower graduates and enhance the university’s role in contributing to national development. The governor’s commitment reflects a strategic approach to preparing graduates not only academically but also for success in the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship.
Achievements and Future Prospects of FULafia
During the convocation ceremony, Prof. Shehu Abdul-Rahman, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Lafia (FULafia), provided a comprehensive overview of the university’s growth and accomplishments since its establishment in 2011. Emphasizing the expansion into new faculties and programs, such as the College of Medicine and the School of Postgraduate Studies, he reaffirmed the institution’s unwavering commitment to integrity, innovation, and excellence.
Prof. Abdul-Rahman expressed gratitude for the crucial support received from President Tinubu, Governor Sule, and other collaborative partners, acknowledging their pivotal role in the university’s development journey. The Vice Chancellor’s address highlighted FULafia’s continuous strides in academic and institutional advancements.
Conclusion
President Bola Tinubu’s cautionary advice to Nigerian universities signals a crucial step in safeguarding the sanctity of academic qualifications, particularly Honorary Doctorate Degrees, ensuring their continued prestige. This initiative aligns with the government’s dedication to enhancing educational infrastructure, charting a progressive course for the academic and moral development of the nation’s future leaders.
As FULafia celebrates its graduates, this reminder from President Tinubu resonates across the broader academic community, emphasizing enduring values such as integrity, excellence, and societal contribution as the foundation of true academic achievement. The synergy between such cautions and ongoing efforts to improve educational standards underscores a commitment to nurturing a generation of scholars and leaders with a strong ethical foundation.