Being Text of a Speech by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State and Visitor to the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON (Madauchin Doma) on the Occasion of the Special Convocation Ceremony of the University at Keffi, Saturday, 19th December, 2009

PROTOCOL:

Today is another eventful day in the history of Nasarawa State University, Keffi. Let me, therefore, on behalf of the University, and indeed, the Government and people of Nasarawa State, welcome you all to this special convocation for the conferment of Honorary Doctorate Degrees on four distinguished Nigerian Statesmen and the launching of endowment fund.

I am also gratified to be here to accord honour and recognition to whom they are due and to pay tribute and commendations to those who made it possible for our University project to be the success that it has been.

The distinguished presence of such an array of eminent personalities from all walks of life and from all parts of the federation at this occasion, is no doubt, a demonstration of your abiding friendship with this University in the pursuit of truth and advancement of the frontiers of knowledge. It is also a recognition of this University as an international centre of excellence in learning and research. We are, indeed, grateful and encouraged by your partnership.

Mr. Chancellor, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to note that in keeping with University tradition of recognizing and honouring outstanding contributions, merit and excellence, four eminent Nigerians have been conferred today, with Honorary Doctorate Degrees for their individual achievements and contributions to humanity and our fatherland.

Let me, therefore, congratulate all the recipients for the well-deserved honour. I trust that this happy development would spur you to greater heights in your service to the nation and to humanity.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I need to remind you that one aspect of today’s occasion is the launching of an Endowment Fund. Endowment funds, the world over, are designed to bridge the gap between "town and gown". The proceeds therefrom are usually used to assist Universities to consolidate their academic activities and infrastructures towards the achievement of excellence.

To ensure the sustenance of orderly development of any University such as ours, there should be a partnership between Government and men and women of goodwill. It is in this connection, that I appeal to our distinguished invited guests, and indeed all and sundry, to support this endowment fund by donating generously to this noble cause. On our part, Government will continue to support the University towards the attainment of the set objectives.

Mr. Chancellor, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the success story of this University would hardly have been achieved without our luck of having the crème of academic and leadership talents and the assembly of committed Council members that have guided the orderly development of the institution over the years.

In this regard, permit me to make a special mention of Professor Adamu Baikie, CON, the pioneer Vice-Chancellor of this University, whose eventful tenure is now coming to an end.

Professor Baikie! we acknowledge and salute your towering academic and administrative qualities, the application of which translated this institution from a fledgling academy to a renowned international centre of learning. We wish you God’s guidance and a well deserved retirement.

Ladies and gentlemen, as the tenure of the pioneer Vice-Chancellor is soon to end, this convocation also marks a glorious change of baton in the University. At this point, I welcome Professor Shamsudeen Amali, OFR, who will be taking over the reins as the new Vice-Chancellor of the Nasarawa State University.

Like his outgoing colleague, the new Vice-Chancellor is another renowned academic and a very experienced and successful University administrator whose achievements as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Illorin is now legendary. We wish Professor Shamsudeen Amali a successful tenure and Allah’s guidance in the discharge of his responsibilities.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, let me conclude this address by thanking the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor and members of the Governing Council for their tireless contributions and commitment in providing the needed leadership for the development and promotion of peace and academic excellence in the University.

My appreciation also goes to the academic and non-academic staff, as well as students and the entire university community, for their collective efforts in maintaining the good standard and image of the institution. It is my hope and, indeed, my expectation that you will keep it up.

Mr. Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I thank you all for your attention. God bless.