By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
Peter University, Achina/Onneh, Anambra State, Friday, held her maiden matriculation ceremony for over 200 students.
Vice-Chancellor of the school, Rev. Fr.Prof.Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Umezinwa said the vision of the university was to be “a world-class university renowned for production of self-reliant, globally competitive graduates with altruistic morals while the mission is to provide knowledge and skills using Information Communication Technology (lCT)and applying global best practices by dedicated and research oriented staff.”
He demanded support of the students to interpret the vision and mission of the university in their best interests and the interests of their guardians who make huge sacrifices to sustain their choices.
Umezinwa promised the students of graduating with clear evidence of having acquired at least four self-reliant skills.
“Our 24 programmes were successful during the resource verification of the Nigeria University Commission (NUC). We await the visits of some other relevant professional bodies to endorse a clear pathway for you my students to aviod any future hitch”, he concluded.
The vice-chancellor futher stated that it is the duty of the university to expand the mind of the students, make them hunger for knowledge with their cooperation, realize the nature of the fast changing society and adapt to changes with ease.
Noting that the students will graduate with other skills out of which one must be in ICT, he added that Peter University is a unique brand school encouraging students to be open to learning and bold in behaviour; make mistakes and accept corrections.
He appreciated bishops, priests, captains of industries and individuals for their sacrifices for Peter University.
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese and co-proprietor of the university, Peter Cardinal Ebere Okpaleke advised the students to have dreams and actualization in order not to disappoint their parents and prayed that God will direct their parts.
He stressed that students and leacturers should go back to the basics,noting that there is no better university than where they are now.
He thanked those who have contributed immensely to the building of the university, praying for God’s reward upon their lives, even as he urged them to strive to write their names and the name of the school in gold through inventions.
Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University(UNIZIK), Awka, Prof Charles Esimone, in his address, said the university was geared towards producing manpower for the country, adding that the students and teachers are respectively dedicated to their works and studies.
The vice-chancellor, ably represented by the Director, Academic Planning, UNIZIK, Prof.Angela Ufele wished them success in their endeavours.
In their goodwill messages, lgwe Godwin Nnameka Obiora(Ononenyi), Eze ldegwu 111of Achina, emeritus permanent secretary, Nze Tony Ezenwaka, NFOM Ozo Nzedigbo, President-General, Achina, Engr.Chinedu Nwafor said Peter University has become a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring scholars and that the matriculation ceremony was a testament to the unwavering commitment to academic excellence, strive for greatness and creating a positive impact in the society.
They congratulated the Catholic Church for elevating Achina community to a more glorious height in human capital development and character formation.
Personalities that graced the occasion were former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, acting vice- chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Prof Kate Omenugha, former Managing Director, National Light Newspapers, Awka, Sir Chuka Nnabuife, among others.
