Unizik honours 19 first class students , as Prof Esimone ,others rate CEP high
By Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Awka
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka at the weekend honoured Nineteen (19) first-class students of Continuous Education Programme (CEP) including a lecturer at the Department of Mass Communication Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Dr Gloria Nneka Ono. Ono was the first to have first class in Mass Communication and faculty of Social Sciences since inception of the programme. She Is a Pioneer set.
Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) honoured them for their diligence and outstanding academic performances.
The University gave other 20 awards for humanitarian services to the society. The awardees were Vice Chancellor, Prof Okechukwu Esimone; Traditional Ruler of Akwaeze kingdom, Igwe Christopher Okpala; Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Benneth Emeka; Professor Patrick Ekwunife, Dr. Chinedu Umeadi, and Chief Jude Akpua who is a member representing Njikoka II constituency in the Anambra State House Assembly
High Chief Jombosco Onunkwo, Chief John Chiadizu, Chief Dr Egbuna Okechi, Chief Polycap Onwuka, Mr Nwogu Desmond, Onyebuchi Anizobanwota, among others.
The awards were given at the UNIZIK CEP Alumni Homecoming and Award Presentation.
The event took place at ASUU Secretariat complex of the University, on Thursday.
Declaring the event open, Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka ,Professor Charles Esimone described CEP of the institution as a bridge for successful men and women without academic qualifications to have one.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin), Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, Esimone said CEP has taken a strategic position in providing learning opportunities for the public.
The VC urged the public to key into the quality programmes of the institution, as the university has provided opportunity for learning in diverse fields to meet the needs of the society.
In her opening remarks, the new Director, CEP, UNIZIK, Professor Ngozi Agu explained that the reunion was organized to celebrate CEP graduates who distinguished themselves in academic engagements during their studentship in the programme.
Receiving his award, Valentine Ozigbo, who is also a Special Adviser to Mr. Peter Obi and a globally respected CEO said good governance and Continuous Improvement are the two principles that are critical to changing the situation of the country.
According to Ozigbo, “Good governance, as a principle, is at the peak of everything Nigeria needs to do. Another is the principle of continuous improvement. Our society cannot progress without adhering to these principles.”
Ozigbo also emphasized that a well-educated and trained workforce is needed for economic productivity and the reduction of social inequality, hence the need for more support and attention to programmes such as the CEP in the country.
Corroborating, traditional ruler of Umueri kingdom, HRM Benneth Emeka, said the place of education in the growth and development of society can never be overemphasized. According to him, the CEP program has bridged the gap and provided an opportunity for people who have no sponsor at the early stage of life to gain a university education and certificate.
The monarch who said he benefited from the programme in the past, encouraged business owners, artisans, and the like at various locations to leverage the opportunity and acquire sound learning for their personal growth and advancement.
Similarly, Chairman of the occasion and CEO of Olite Manufacturing Companies, John Nwabueze, said the programme has closed the gap of minorities, adding that everyone now has an equal opportunity of getting certified in their chosen field.
In her remarks, Dr Gloria Nneka Ono described the award as unique and cherished.
She said: “Yeah, just coming out from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka’s CEP Alumni Homecoming and Award Presentation Ceremony where I bagged 2 certificates. One, as the overall 1999/2000 set best graduating student with 1st class. Two, as the only 1st class graduate so far recorded in the faculty since the inception of Continous Education Programme (CEP). I dedicate the 2 certificates first to God Almighty, second to my CEP classmates who really believe in my academic prowess and are particularly happy that I now teach Mass Communication in the University and third to my present CEP students whom I always admonish to come out if they observed feeling of low esteem and be more committed to their studies. Who knows what tomorrow holds for them? University education can never be a scam”.
Ozigbo also emphasized that a well-educated and trained workforce is needed for economic productivity and the reduction of social inequality, hence the need for more support and attention to programmes such as the CEP in the country.
Corroborating, traditional ruler of Umueri kingdom, HRM Benneth Emeka, said the place of education in the growth and development of society can never be overemphasized. According to him, the CEP program has bridged the gap and provided an opportunity for people who have no sponsor at the early stage of life to gain a university education and certificate.
