The Federal University Gashua (FUGashua) in Yobe has conferred doctorate degrees on Gov. Mai Mala Buni of Yobe and the first lady, Mrs Remi Tinubu.
Other beneficiaries of the doctorate degrees conferment were Sen. Ibrahim Gaidam, Minister of Police Affairs, 9th Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I (rtd), the Emir of Lafiya and Alhaji Bukar Aji, former Head of Federal Civil Service.
Speaking at the maiden and combined convocation of the institution, Buni expressed profound gratitude to FUGashua for finding him and other awardees worthy of the prestigious award.
He congratulated the FUGashua Governing Council, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Maimuna Waziri, the Management, staff and students, on the historic occasion of maiden and combined convocation ceremony.
Buni said that decades-old insurgency had undermined educational infrastructure in the state, which informed his decision to declare a state of emergency in the sector when assumed office in 2019.
“Our administration reconstructed over 250 schools destroyed by the insurgency.
“Established 15 Mega and Model schools, expanded many others, constructed students hostels, laboratories, libraries, and engaged in a massive campaign to increase enrolment especially to improve girl-child education.
“We also established eight Government Girls Senior Secondary Schools in different parts of the state.
“We employed over 5,000 qualified teachers, procured and distributed text books, laboratory equipment and other instructional materials, among others,” the governor said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND), saying it would minimise financial burden on parents and guardians.
In her remarks, Waziri said that a total of 3,449 graduands from six academic sets and across four faculties of Agriculture, Arts, Management and Social Sciences would be awarded first degrees.
She said that a set of 12 others would be awarded a higher degree in Master of Public Administration (MPA).
The vice chancellor said that the university was established on 18th February 2013, with a clear and compelling vision to become a centre of excellence that would contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
Waziri said that the institution would remained indebted to Yobe and Bauchi governments, Lawan and other developments partners for their various supports.
“This is not merely a day of celebration; It is a defining moment in the annals of our university’s history — a time to honour achievement, resilience, and the enduring promise of a future shaped by knowledge, innovation, and service,” she said.(NAN)
