Sule pledges continuous support to private indigenous varsity

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa has pledged his administration’s continuous support to Phoenix University, Agwada, an indigenous private university in the state.

Sule stated this at the Honorary Degree award ceremony and Investiture of Nigerian businessman, Dr Muhammadu Indimi, as the first Chancellor as well as the matriculation of the pioneer students of the university on Monday in Agwada.

According to Sule, the establishment and commencement of academic activities in the university is another milestone for enhancing the state’s decision to continuously support its growth to world class tertiary institution.

He said his administration had already offered 92 indigenous students scholarship, awarded and completed the Kokona Junction-Agwada Road leading to the university and would continue to support its set goals.

“Nasarawa state is not one of the wealthy states. However, we want the best for our children, So, we decided to to give scholarships to 92 indigenous students in the university.

“If the government of Nasarawa does not support this university, no one else would. Secondly, I also came from a humble background and was on scholarship all the way to the university.

“I, therefore, have no reason not to give scholarships. We would always support the university to succeed by the Grace of God,” he said.

Sule then congratulated the Founder and Visitor of the university, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu, for the foresight in establishing the university and gathering esteemed and successful Nigerians in the governing council and Board of Trustees.

Also speaking, Sen. Adamu, founder of the university and former National Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC) expressed joy over the investiture of the first chancellor of the university.

He assured the students that the university would train them not to be local operators in their local communities but train them to go from the campus to influence Nasarawa State and Nigeria.

“This university will train you to become trailblazers of your chosen vocations. Our vision is to train and produce graduates, who like the mythical phoenix bird, will leave this campus with a passion to invent new methods of doing things globally.

“To attain this, you must work hard and make the most of your time and the top-rated instructional and research facilities that have been made available for you,” he said.

Adamu appreciate Gov Sule for his support and partnership and assured that the students on government scholarship would be well groomed to serve the state and country in diverse ways.

In his remarks, Prof. Abdullahi Bala, Vice Chancellor of the university, said the Council and Senate of the University had agreed to confer on Dr Indimi, the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa.

“The Doctor of Humane Letters is normally conferred upon individuals who have demonstrated exemplary service to the community or whose accomplishments are broad in scope and far-reaching,” he said.

The VC also urged the pioneer students to take advantage of the several opportunities available to them in the university.

“The opportunities are almost endless and certainly include the opportunity of not only securing such an elusive admission chance but also having a parent, guardian, benefactor or scholarship to cover your fees.

He added that the school curriculum was deliberately designed to produce students who are global players who would graduate with at least three certificates.

“One is for the course of study, another for entrepreneurship and innovation and the third for professional certification,” he said.

It was reported that the 260 pioneer students were admitted and matriculated to study courses in three faculties in the university.

They include Computing and Technology, Natural and Applied and Agricultural Sciences and Social and Management Sciences.