BY IFEANYI UWAGWU
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to strengthen its regulatory framework to ensure both public and private universities in Nigeria strictly adhere to the rules governing the award of degrees and certificates.
The governor, represented by the State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, made the appeal over the weekend at the 7th Convocation Ceremony and 9th Memorial Lecture of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU), Agbarha-Otor.
According to him, the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary education system depends on the ability of the NUC to enforce compliance and sustain high standards. He noted that while the rapid growth in the number of private universities has broadened access to higher education, there are worrying signs of declining quality in some institutions. “We are beginning to see situations where some of these universities are compromising standards for monetary gain, leading to poor educational outcomes,” Oborevwori said. “The only way to safeguard the future of our graduates is to ensure that the rules and regulations governing degree awards are strictly implemented.”
The governor lauded the Federal Government’s recent seven-year moratorium on the licensing of new private universities, describing it as a timely intervention that would allow existing universities to consolidate and improve. He stressed that the responsibility now rests on the NUC to intensify monitoring and supervision of all institutions.
Governor Oborevwori commended the vision and legacy of the late Chief Michael Ibru and his wife, Cecilia, in establishing MCIU, noting that the institution has grown steadily since its inception in 2015, with increased enrolment, expanded curricula, and improved infrastructure. He described the university’s progress as a fitting tribute to the memory of Chief Ibru, whom he hailed as a man with the Midas touch. He also praised the current management, lecturers, and staff for their dedication and sacrifice, which he said have contributed immensely to the steady growth of the institution.
Turning to the graduands, the governor urged them to be worthy ambassadors of the institution by upholding discipline, focus, excellence, and accountability in their personal and professional pursuits. He reminded them that learning is a lifelong process, stressing that their success in life would depend on their willingness to continue seeking knowledge beyond the classroom. “Your degrees are proof that you have been found worthy in character and learning. Now it is your responsibility to put into practice the values and knowledge imparted to you by this institution”, he said. The event was attended by members of the university’s governing council, Senate, staff, students, families of graduands, and other distinguished guests, who gathered to celebrate the institution’s achievements and the accomplishments of its graduating class.
