… As Pro-chancellor Tasks FG on targeted economic concessions funding Universities, alleviating economic challenges.
By News Desk
Towards addressing the critical financial challenge faced by Universities in the Country, the Federal Government has been asked to provide targeted economic concessions towards alleviating there challenges.
The Pro-chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Federal University Lokoja, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, gave the suggestion at the 8th Convocation Ceremony of The Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State, Held at the Convocation Arena, Permanent Site, Felele.
Sen. Ndoma disclosed that Universities are not just institutions and centers of learning, said they are the foundations for the nation’s intellectual and innovative future.
Sen. Ndoma proposed that the government considers special provisions that would lead to the reduction of the operating costs of all Federal Universities in the Country.
Sen. Ndoma appreciated the Federal Government for the interventions, especially TETFund that the university benefits, confessed that the university continues to face significant financial challenges on several fronts.
He listed the challenges to include lack of laboratories, shortage of critical personnel, especially for the programmes, library holdings, utilities, road networks, office and student accommodation.
According to Sen. Udoma, “the prevailing global and national economic crisis has led to dwindling funding to universities, world over”, said the Federal University of Lokoja is however resolved to emplace a culture of prudent and efficient use of scarce resources.
“In addition, part of the goals of Council is to optimally mobilise all the resources available, physical and intangible, especially the strategic location of the the university at the Confluence city of Lokoja to accelerate its growth and development”.
“Council is also committed to supporting management to leverage its network to attract projects and Public Private Partnerships to broaden the infrastructural base of the University”.
He reminded the graduands of the values and principles that have shaped your time at Federal University, Lokoja, said, “this University has not only equipped you with academic knowledge, but has also built within you a foundation of integrity, character and moral excellence”.
“As you step out into the world, you will be faced with challenges, choices and opportunities. How you respond to them will define the kind of ambassadors you will be for this University”.
He urge the graduands to uphold integrity in all their endeavors, pointing out that Integrity is the cornerstone of trust in whatever field they find themselves.
” Your reputation will be built not only on your qualifications and skills, but on your honesty and ethical conduct. Never compromise your values for short-term gains. In a world where shortcuts and unethical behaviors often seem tempting, I urge you to resist them. Always remember that true success is built on zeal and doing what is right, especially when no one is watching”.
“I also encourage you to remain focused, hardworking and steadfast. The journey you begin today will not always be easy. You will face obstacles, temptations, setbacks and moments of doubt, but remember that it is in these moments that your character is tested, and perseverance is what will see you through. Hard work remains the only pathway to lasting success, and it is through consistent effort and dedication that you will achieve your goals”.
The Chairman of the Governing Council, used the opportunity to acknowledge the exponential growth witnessed in the university under the capable leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, added that he is doing exceptionally well.
“We have seen significant progress in academic programmes, infrastructure, and research. Federal University Lokoja is steadily growing into a globally competitive institution, and this is largely due to the dedication and vision of the university management, staff, and students under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor”.
Sen. Ndoma said his leadership is focused on consolidating the Federal University Lokoja edge of providing functional education with a view to ensuring that graduates become successful entrepreneurs in diverse sectors of the nation’s economy. Therefore, tribalism, religion, gender and other primordial considerations will have no influence within our university community, as we are fully committed to building a global institution that is guided only by excellence, merit and competitiveness.
The Vice Chancellor in his remarks said a total of two thousand, one hundred and ninety six thousand (2,196) students, including postgraduate students, are being awarded first and higher degrees across diverse fields of study.
He added that the students having been found worthy in both character and learning, will receive various degrees and prizes in recognition of their hard work and academic excellence.
The Vice Chancellor on behalf of Senate, the Management, Staff, and Students of Federal University Lokoja, congratulated all the graduating students for demonstrating resilience, dedication, and excellence throughout their academic journey.
The Vice Chancellor disclosed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has approved new academic programmes for the university, including LL.B. Law, Pharm. D. (Doctor of Pharmacy), B.Agric, B.MLS (Medical Laboratory Science), and B.Ed. Educational Management and Planning, said admissions for these programmes are ongoing for the 2024/2025 academic session, reflecting commitment to broadening the academic opportunities available at the institution.
In addition, the NUC he added has also approved the full-time mode of eight academic programmes to be run at the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, in affiliation with the university. These programmes include B.Sc. Microbiology, Biochemistry, Industrial Chemistry, Public Administration, Banking and Finance, Mass Communication, Computer Science, and Statistics.
He further disclosed that NUC have duly accredited 34 programs out of the 42 programs presented, while eight (8) were granted interim accreditation. This achievements he added reflects the commitment of the university to academic excellence.
Prof. Olayemi expressed excitement that the University is expecting the second accreditation visit for the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) in the first week of November 2024, said it a significant step toward securing full accreditation for the College of Health Sciences.
Additionally, the National Universities Commission (NUC) is also scheduled for a second accreditation visit, ensuring the continued quality of programmes and also awaiting the visit from the Council for Legal Education, which is anticipated by the first week of November.
“This programme accreditation by these regulatory bodies is crucial to the continued growth of our academic programs, particularly in the fields of Medicine and Law, and we are fully prepared for these upcoming visits”.
“As we celebrate the successes of our graduands, I am excited to share that the Federal University Lokoja is gearing up for the 2024/2025 academic session. We are proud to offer 58 undergraduate programs across 10 faculties, providing a diverse range of academic opportunities for our students”.
“This year, over 17,000 candidates chose FUL as their first choice, with more than 11,000 scoring 160 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and participating in our Post-UTME Screening exercise. We plan to admit 9,000 students into these programs, and I am thrilled to announce that the new academic session is scheduled to commence on November 10, 2024”.
“In a groundbreaking development, we have signed a collaborative agreement with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Energizing Education Programme (EEP). This initiative will provide reliable power to our university through renewable energy solutions, including campus-wide street lighting and the establishment of renewable energy training centers. This partnership will not only ensure a sustainable energy future for our university but also enhance our research and training”.
Similarly, “In our efforts to boost tourism, research, and community service, Federal University Lokoja has established the first Zoo and Conservatory in Kogi State. This facility, which has been officially commissioned, will serve as a valuable resource for research, education, and community engagement”
Analysis of the Graduands for 2022/2023 SESSION Shows that UNDERGRADUATE
1 Faculty of Arts 447
- Faculty of Education 153
- Faculty of Management Sciences 99
- Faculty of Science 783
- Faculty of Social Sciences 381
Total 1,863
DIPLOMA
S/N DIPLOMA TOTAL
1 Diploma (Regular) 91
- Diploma (Ice) 26
TOTAL 117
POSTGRADUATE:
S/N POSTGRADUATE TOTAL
1 PhD 7
2 MASTERS 190
- PGD 19
TOTAL 216
Undergraduate 1,863
Postgraduate 216
Diploma 117
TOTAL 2,196
