By Isaiah Eka
Ms Emem Usoro, the Deputy Governor, Corporate Services, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has urged graduands of the Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) to exude discipline and excellence in their future endeavours.
Usoro made the call after being conferred an honorary doctorate degree in Business Administration by the university.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CBN official was given the honorary degree at a combined convocation ceremony of the institution at Ikot Akpaden in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area.
She urged the graduands not to be deterred by the challenges and constraints that could confront them in the future.
The CBN deputy governor implored them to strive beyond societal and cultural constraints in order to actualise their dreams.
The CBN official urged female graduands to be humble, respectful and resilient in their pursuit of future goals.
“Always prepare relentlessly, build the right competencies and stand firmly for excellence.
“Do not be afraid to aim for new heights, women are already breaking barriers and making waves in different sectors.
“Speak up for yourself. Be heard, be bold and assertive but learn to do so with grace and humility. I look forward to celebrating with you as you break newer grounds in the near future,” Usoro said.
Usoro pledged to contribute her quota to the development of the university because of the confidence reposed in her.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. OtoAbasi Akpan, said that the combined convocation ceremony covered the 2021/2022, 2022/2023, 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions.
Akpan said that the university graduated a total of 6,793 undergraduate and 746 postgraduate students.
He said that the institution had grown from 14 to 17 faculties, and that the number of academic programmes had expanded from 66 to 84.
“This deliberate expansion is informed by the need to respond to the changing demands of the society, emerging knowledge areas, and the realities of modern labour market,” he said.
The vice chancellor said that the university would continue to pursue excellence in teaching, research, innovation and community service.
Akpan said that the university was facing challenges in hostel accommodation, staff housing, research funding and transportation facilities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Azubuike Okeh
