Yobe varsity holds maiden convocation for five sets of graduates

The Yobe State University on Saturday held its maiden convocation which covers five sets of graduates.

NAN reports that the over 2000 graduands completed their studies in the last five years.

Yakubu Mukhtar, vice chancellor, said the university started with 50 staff in 2006 but now had 709 academic and non academic staff.

Speaking during the convocation ceremony, Mukhtar said although the Boko-Haram insurgency had a negative effect on his institution, the university remained committed to pursuance of quality education.

He commended the state government for providing funds for staff development as well as necessary facilities that enable the accreditation of courses.

Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, who was also conferred with an honorary doctorate degree, assured of his administration’s commitment to education.

Gaidam said the government spent N289 million on sponsorship of 28 lecturers of the university to undergo post-graduate studies overseas.

He said government released N1.3 billion for the construction of structures and supply of equipment to the College of Medical Sciences.

According to him, establishment of the College will enable the training health personnel, thereby addressing the challenge of inadequacy of trained manpower in the health sector.

The ceremony, held under tight security in view of the recent abduction of school girls in Dapchi town of the state, also featured the formal installation of Muhammadu Grema, emir of Tikau, as the chancellor of the institution