Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education and human capital development, describing Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola, as one of the state’s most valued assets.
The governor gave the assurance on Saturday while delivering a goodwill message at the university’s 29th and 30th Combined Convocation Ceremony, held at the MAU campus in Yola.
Fintiri congratulated the university community for sustaining academic excellence and community service, noting that the institution remains a major contributor to manpower development in Adamawa State and Nigeria at large.
He particularly commended the Vice-Chancellor, Ibrahim Umar, describing the successful conduct of the combined convocation as a major milestone in his tenure.
“This convocation is not only a celebration for the graduands, but also a significant achievement for the Vice-Chancellor, Senate, Management and Governing Council of the university,” the governor said.
Fintiri disclosed that the state government is in the process of recruiting 12,000 new workers across the bureaucracy and education sectors, adding that a significant proportion of applicants are graduates of Modibbo Adama University.
According to him, the institution has continued to serve as a dependable source of skilled manpower, while also absorbing thousands of secondary school leavers produced annually under the state’s Free Education Policy. The governor also acknowledged the contributions of the former Vice-Chancellor, Abdullahi Tukur, noting that his relationship with the university enabled the state to draw on academic expertise to address governance challenges.
Addressing the graduands, Fintiri congratulated them on completing their studies, describing the occasion as a reward for years of resilience, discipline and hard work.
“This is another critical take-off point in shaping your future. How you navigate the challenges ahead will determine how bright that future becomes,” he told the graduating students.
The governor also congratulated recipients of honorary degrees, including Nuhu Ribadu, Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, Bassey Edet Otu, and Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, expressing hope that the recognition would spur them to greater service to the nation.
Fintiri further praised the Convocation Lecturer, Umaru A. Pate, for delivering what he described as a timely and thought-provoking lecture titled “Building Trust Amidst Conflict: Communication, Leadership and the Promise of Peaceful Coexistence in Nigeria.”
He said the theme of the lecture resonated strongly with Nigeria’s current challenges, stressing the need for dialogue, trust-building and leadership in fostering peaceful coexistence.
The governor concluded by reaffirming his administration’s resolve to remain a supportive and benevolent host to the university, pledging continued government support for MAU to deliver on its mandate.
THE SUN
