The Founder and Chancellor of Salem University Lokoja, Kogi state, Archbishop (Dr) Sam Amaga, has appealed to Nigeria leaders to intensify effort in funding education by investing in innovation, research and infrastructure to enable universities become engines of development and not mere factories of certificates.
Archbishop Amaga made the appeal on Friday during the 7th convocation ceremony of Salem University, Lokoja.
The Chancellor who had invested much in education by establishing Salem University seventeen years ago , said government at all level have roles to play in advancing the cause of education in the country.
He pointed out that quality education would enable Nigerian youth to acquire the practical knowledge that would make them employable and employers of labour instead of making the country factories of certificates.
“We have taken the lead at Salem University by putting in place machines and machineries that make sure our change agents and global leaders fulfill their potentials in full.
“They have the conviction to do it; they have the divine connection to make change happen, to make results possible. They are trained to make exploits not excuses, to produce results not reasons” he stated.
Speaking on the progress made so far in the institution, Dr Amaga stated that since the last convocation, Salem University has continued to advance in its mandate of academic excellence and moral transformation.
“The most remarkable piece of information that we are glad to share with you is that we are grateful to God that the National Universities Commission (NUC) successfully resource-verified our Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, and affirmed and asserted that it should go on unhinged and uninterrupted.
“Salem today runs asseleted College of Medical. The interpretation of the mandate, in simple terms, is that we are good to go; to produce medical doctors and other health professionals that will minister to the health needs of our people. Nothing more cheering; nothing more invigorating”
Also in his speech , the Acting Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Bishop Enobong Etteh, said the university was founded to raise leaders who are spiritually grounded, intellectually alert, and socially responsible.
Bishop Etteh noted that the graduates of the institution are change agents equipped to transform their world.
“Dr. Amaga saw that a tree does not make a forest that he constituted men and women into a council that will see to the exact interpretation and translation of the dream and vision into this tangible reality that is this university today” he said.
While advising the graduands, the Pro-Chancellor stated that
the university has done its best for them and it is now up to the new brand of change agents to live up to what the society at large demands of them.
“Being brought up in the way you have been these last couple of years, you have no alternative, dear graduands, but to show to the world what stuff you are made of: it is in order to make you exceptional that your training and formation in character, morals and learning have been exceptional; let your exploits declare your worth as you depart this environment” he advised the graduands.
Earlier in his speech, the Vice Chancellor of Salem University, Professor Alewo Johnson Akubo explained that through the founder’s unwavering devotion, Salem University has grown from a dream into a flourishing citadel of learning, shaping destinies and redefining moral education in Nigeria.
“These testimonies are bare for all to see in human and physical resources developed over these last few years of our coming into existence that we need no further provide any other proof. Once again, thank you, Dear Sir Chancellor” the VC said.
Professor Akubo who has been given another five years to serve as the Vice Chancellor of University by the institution’s governing council, revealed that the university has made remarkable progress in infrastructural development.
“We have initiated the state-of-the-art buildings for Anatomy and Physiology Departments under the newly established College of Basic Medical Sciences. In other areas, there have been the upgrade of existing facilities; fixing and changing of classroom/lecture wares to make them fitting and befitting” he said.
In his speech , the Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo assured that his administration would continue to provide a conducive environment for Salem University to thrive in nurturing and educating Nigerians citizens.
The Governor who was represented by the commissioner for education Mr Wemi Jones , described convocation as not only a ceremony , but a testament to discipline , sacrifice, perseverance and hope as today marks the release of another set of generation of visionaries and leaders who would move this country forward.
He said that the theme of the 7th convocation ceremony “The release of change agents 2025” is timely and transformational, noting that people live in an era where societies are rapidly evolving driven by technology, global connectivity , shifting economy and complex social reality.
“Today the world need individuals who are not just educated but empowered to think differently, challenge the status-co and pioneer solutions. The change agents the Salem University is churning out yearly are people who will effect positive change in Nigeria, Africa and globally” he stated.
He urged the graduands to enter work places not as job seekers but as problem solvers.
