Professor Attahiru Jega, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Usumanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto has accused Nigeria’s tertiary institutions of awarding certificates to illiterates.Nigerian political art prints
Speaking on Friday, April 11, at the 14th Convocation lecture of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) in Abuja, Jega said illiterates are now being awarded certificates without exhibition of good character.
He said that graduation and subsequent convocation ceremonies are usually organised for students who have been found worthy in character and learning, after passing through the four walls of the universities.
“The expectation is that university graduates are positioned for the ideal of having both learning and character, now this ideal has been approximated in Nigeria Universities in the past and now a mare aspiration.
“In most cases, our universities offer certification to illiterates and awarding degrees in many cases to persons without worthy character,” Jega warned.Nigerian political art prints
He also noted that convocation ceremonies serve as an inspiration for students, who are yet to graduate, the faculty and staff of the institutions to address some of the challenges faced by the academic environment and society in general.