One of the recipients of the Honorary Doctorate Degree of the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) at the just concluded 6th & 7th Combined Convocation Ceremony, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, has pledged his support and commitment to the development of the University, assuring that he would institute a legacy project that would inspire others. Senator Ararume disclosed this during a meeting held with FUL Management led by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi in Abuja on Thursday, 30th November, 2023.

Speaking during the "Thank you" visit which was attended by Senator Chris Adighije, PhD, the 3rd Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the Institution, Senator Ararume thanked the Senate and Management of FUL for finding him worthy of the award of the Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa) conferred on him by the Chancellor, HRH Alhaji (Dr.) Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa (CFR), the Emir of Fika and Chairman, Yobe State Council of Chiefs and Emirs, during the recent Convocation Ceremony.

The honoree noted that he had turned down several nominations from notable Universities and chose to rather study and earn the PhD (which he has completed recently) because of his passion for teaching, but chose to honour FUL's recognition. He commended the team spirit and synergy that exists among members of the University Management and urged them to sustain the cooperation to move the University forward. Continuing, he said: "Unity among the Management is key to propelling well-meaning individuals to come and assist the University. Without putting your house in order, it will be difficult to attract any meaningful support from outside."

Senator Ararume, who paid a glowing tribute to the Vice-Chancellor's humble disposition, expressed satisfaction over his quality leadership direction and the harmony that exists among the University Management. He praised the former Council Chairman, Senator Chris Adighije, for his commitment to friendship and progress, saying that having left FUL as Council Chairman, he (Adighije) has continued to add value to the University.

While assuring Management of his support for the University, Ararume pledged to establish his presence in FUL by instituting developmental projects that would be remembered for posterity. He added that his doors were open and willing to assist the University whenever the need arises or he is called upon, stressing that he is already part of the FUL family as an alumnus and therefore he would not disappoint the confidence reposed in him.

For a start and to show his commitment, the two-term Senator who represented Imo North at the Nigerian National Assembly (1999-2007), promised to support the ongoing development of FUL Parks and Conservatory (FULPAC), a laudable project initiated by the Vice-Chancellor which is scheduled to be opened to the general public beginning from this festive period (December).

Distinguished Senator Ararume, however, decried the state of the nation, particularly the electoral and judicial processes, and challenged academics in Nigerian Universities to ensure that the right thing is done as they are in a position to help the country and save her democracy, which is at a tipping point, from total collapse.

In his remarks, Senator Chris Adighije said that he was very proud of Ararume's outstanding contributions to nation-building, adding that he does not doubt his capacity and commitment to his promises because he is well-known and respected for standing by his words. 

While acknowledging the remarkable development that FUL has witnessed since the assumption of Professor Akinwumi, the former Pro-Chancellor, who chaired the Endowment Session at the recent convocation ceremony, lauded the admirable efforts and leadership of the Vice-Chancellor and his management team in raising the bar of FUL.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, thanked Senator Ifeanyi Ararume for accepting the Honorary Doctorate Degree awarded by the University. 

With the VC for the courtesy visit were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Professor Abdullahi E. Bala; Registrar, Dr. (Mrs) Rebecca A. Okojie; Bursar, Mr. John Sule Shilo; the Board Chairman, FULPAC and Director of Research & Innovation, Professor M.N. Suleiman; and the Director of FULPAC, Professor Jacqueline Badaki; among others. See more pictures here