ADDRESS BY THE CHANCELLOR, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS ALHAJI (Dr) MUHAMMADU ABALI IBN MUHAMMADU IDRIS CON, THE EMIR OF FIKA AND CHAIRMAN YOBE STATE COUNCIL OF CHIEFS AT THE SECOND CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LOKOJA,  KOGI STATE HELD ON SATURDAY, 4^TH NOVEMBER, 2017 AT THE CONVOCATION ARENA - PERMANENT SITE, FELELE.

It is with great pleasure and honour that we address this august gathering for the Second Convocation Ceremony, giving the glory to the Almighty Allah who in His infinite mercies saw us through the end of the 2016/2017 Academic Session. We have every cause to thank the Almighty Allah especially for the huge success we are recording in our fast-growing University, Federal University Lokoja, established alongside other Federal Universities in 2011. Indeed, we are making a giant leap forward as this young University is already graduating its second set of graduates. It is quite interesting that we had our Maiden Convocation at about this same time last year and we are marking the second one today being 4^th November, 2017.

We salute the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces, His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, the esteemed Visitor to our University, once again for appointing me the Chancellor of this fast growing University.  Mr. President was ably represented at my Installation during the Maiden Convocation in October, 2016.  We are happy to continue to enjoy the support of Mr. President. Without the immeasurable moral and financial support from the Federal Government, all efforts to move this University ahead would have been a mirage. We express special gratitude to the highly respected Hon. Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu to whom we have always run each time we are distressed, and who never slams his doors on us. We equally owe our worthy mentor, the National Universities' Commission (NUC) Executive Secretary, Professor Rasheed Adamu Abubakar MFR, mni, FNAL, a depth of gratitude for guiding us accordingly.  We recognize in a special way the Parents of the graduands and all the invited guests to this Second Convocation Ceremony.

We remain truly grateful to all other Government Agencies and functionaries whose supports are unquantifiable. To the Pro-Chancellor, Federal University Lokoja, Emeritus Professor Nimi Dimkpa Briggs  and Members of the University Governing Council, the University Management, Senate, staff of the University and students, we thank you for your efforts that have culminated in this significant milestone for which we have come to celebrate.

We are graduating another set of graduates today after the first set in 2016.  The 2017 Federal University Lokoja Graduands would in due course formally be conferred with their respective degrees, having worked so hard to merit the awards. We congratulate all the graduands for this meritorious attainment. You have toiled to earn the first degree which would invariably serve as the cornerstone of what you decide to do after your National Service. Again, you have learnt a lot while in Federal University Lokoja, as your education has not been restricted to your subject areas alone. Dear graduating students, as you are aware, white collar jobs are far-fetched. We therefore, urge you to explore the entrepreneurial field that would not only put food on your table but also provide your basic needs, which is why you have been trained to be versatile.

We also urge you to be worthy ambassadors of your Alma Mata, Federal University Lokoja, which we believe, and you are aware that we are striving to take to the next level of academic and physical development. Hopefully, Academic activities will gradually commence at the Permanent Site beginning with this Second Convocation.  As Alumni of the University, we implore you to key into our vision of making the University a unique citadel of learning that would compete favourably with older universities worldwide. Having graduated from Federal University Lokoja, you are stakeholders and should be very interested in the progress of your Alma Mata by giving your support in whatever little way, possible.  We shall be elated to have you back in the system to make notable impact on the University.

To this end, we congratulate the University Council, Senate and Management on several fronts, especially their commitment to duty and sacrifices made to ensure the rapid development of the University. My sincere gratitude goes to the organizers of this historic event - the Convocation Planning Committee whose dogged determination and sacrifice have made Federal University Lokoja Second Convocation Ceremony a reality. Once again, we express deep appreciation to all our guests for the great honor accorded us with their esteemed presence at this memorable occasion.

Long live Federal University Lokoja!

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!

Thank you for listening and God bless you all.

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Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council's Address

Click here to read the Vice-Chancellor's Address