By Ikenna Orioha
The Claratian University of Nigeria (CUN), Nekede Owerri, Imo State, a private university established by the Claratian Missionaries of East Nigeria through its subsidiary, the Claratian University Education Foundation, has held its maiden Convocation Ceremony with a total of 64 graduands being convocated amid joy and merriment.
The graduands who majored in all the accredited courses in the first two established Faculties of Science and Computing (Cybersecurity, Software Engineering and Computer Science) and Arts, Management and Sciences (Philosophy, Economics, Accounting, Criminology and Security Studies), graduated in learning and character and are fully equipped to freely compete favorably in the labour market.
Conferring the awards on the graduands, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Claratian University of Nigeria Owerri, Rev. Fr. Henry Babatunde Omonisaye, CMF, advised them to apply their academic knowledge positively to strengthen goodness and development of the society.
“As you step forth into the world, may you carry with you the touch of truth, faith and charity, transforming every corner of society with the light of Christ. Congratulations! Go forth and bear fruit that will last”, Fr. Omonisaye stressed.
In his address earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Rev. Fr. Prof. Wenceslaus Madu, sought the help of the public especially wealthy individuals, groups or organizations in offering Endowment Fund to enable the University establish Medical Facility, Procure 500KW. Solar Renewable Energy System and a Chair on Leadership in honour of Very Rev. Fr. Christian Mary Ihedoro.
Fr. Madu, who thanked the General Government of the Claratian Missionaries in Rome led by Very Rev. Fr. Matthew Vattamattam, for granting the approval to proceed with the opening of the University and continued support towards sustenance, Board of Trustees, Governing Council, Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, traditional ruler and people of Nekede, Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma and other government functionaries for their efforts and support, assured that the University who had clocked 4 years will, in line with Catholic norm for quality academics, always maintain standard, excellence and selfless service to humanity and society.
The thought-provoking convocation lecture (Education, Values And Public Good; Remimaging Private Universities As Partners In National Development), was delivered by the former Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, under whose leadership CUN was granted operational license in 2021 as the 87th private university in Nigeria.
The Convocation Ceremony was concluded with a Thanksgiving Mass at the Chaplaincy with Catholic faithful being charged to fully believe in God to have peaceful and renewable life and economic prosperity.
