American varsity honours Peace Corps commandants, others

Encouraged by the commitment to academics, social services and the welfare of the youths, the Jacksonville University, Alabama, United States of America has awarded doctorate degrees (honoris causa) in Public Administration to some Nigerians aimed at promoting bilateral relations between the two countries.
The awards which came through the institution’s Nigerian partners, the Chronicle Media, Abuja, was the highpoint of the organisation’s 22nd Chronicle annual lecture series and awards with the theme: “The Role of Universities in Nigeria’s Economic Reform and Democratisation Process.”
Among the award recipients were four commandants of the Peace Corps of Nigeria; Dr Bala Joshua, for Nasarawa; Dr Aliyu Ibrahim, for Niger; Dr Caleb Enejo, for Kogi; and Dr Ekweche Dominic Odey, for Cross River states commandants respectively.
Director, Academic Planning, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Prof Haruna Kuje Ayuba who delivered the annual lecture, called on the federal government to invest heavily in university education if the country could emerge the economic hub of the African continent.
Prof Ayuba made the assertion while delivering the lecture titled: “The Role of Universities in Nigeria’s Economic Reform,” saying the future of the country will depend on the amount of research and financial commitment to the university education.
He alluded to the problem of urban population, rural stagnation, unemployment and growing inequalities in Nigeria, saying the hope lies in the development the critical sectors of the economy and empowering the mass of the youths in the country.
According to him, “any 57 year old ‘baby’ with the problems of uncertainty bedevilling it as Nigeria needs to be placed back in the incubator. That is the state Nigeria is, after 57 years of independence. One of the strategic objectives of the economic recovery and growth plan (2017 – 2020) is therefore to invest in human capital; we must invest in our universities.”
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Founder/Publisher, CEO, National Chronicle Magazine, Amb(Dr.) Godwin Nyitse, implored Nigerians to have a change of heart for the country to take its pride of place. He said the award recipients were given the honour for showing positive concern for the growth of the nation and advised all to emulate their example.

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