Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Henry seriake Dickson says, his administration settled for the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubarkar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi as chancellor of the State owned Niger Delta University, because of his long and impressive academic, moral and political profiles as well as the need to build bridges of unity among the different sections of the country.
Governor Dickson, who stated this, while presenting the letter of appointment to the Shehu of Borno at a brief ceremony in Abuja, urged some sections of the country and some highly placed politicians fanning the embers of ethnic and religious disunity to retrace their steps and do things that would foster unity.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Edmond Allison-Oguru, the Bayelsa State Governor traced the history of the alliance between the north and the south to the first republic and how the people of Bayelsa have always built bridges instead of walls in a bid to foster the unity of the nation and integration. He also brought to the fore, the fact that the alliance is not just an act of coincidence as the Niger Delta region produced the first Chancellor of University of Maiduguri, Late Prof. Essien Udom The Governor stated that, it was only natural for both regions to continue their symbiotic political relationship, which has been mutually beneficial to all.
He however noted with regret that, but for the security situation in the north-east, the ceremony would have held in the comfort of the Shehu's palace.
The Bayelsa State Chief Executive used the occasion to task political and religious leaders in the north on the need to address the security problems in the zone.
In his acceptance speech, the Shehu thanked the Governor for the honour, describing the Niger Delta University as the university of the future, adding that, he will strive to justify the confidence reposed in him by the Government and people of Bayelsa State in particular and the South-South region in general.
He emphasized his vision for the growth and development of the NDU to a world class university as he canvassed the cooperation and support of all stakeholders.
Also speaking, a former Director-General of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Muhammed Nur Alkali noted that universities were passing through very difficult times, adding that, ongoing reforms in the educational sector would help universities play bigger roles in nation building.
"Our universities must play greater roles in building bridges. This is a major role we all have to pursue. It is important we stand in solidarity for the success of the university system," said Alkali.
Daniel Iworiso-Markson
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Bayelsa State
18/02/2014
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