Amgbare Ekaunkumo, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has announced that his administration will offer automatic employment to all First Class degree graduates of the University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT).
The Governor made the announcement at the maiden combined convocation ceremony of the university, which covered the 2020/2021, 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2024 academic sessions.
According to Governor Diri, the gesture is part of the state’s efforts to check the brain drain syndrome and prioritize education and human capital development. He noted that the policy has been replicated in other state-owned tertiary institutions, including the Niger Delta University, Amassoma.
The governor also announced the appointment and investiture of Dr. Nwachukwu Nnam Obi III, Ogba of Ogbaland, as the Chancellor of UAT.
He assured the university community that his administration would continue to address the challenges facing the institution, including the completion of the auditorium and Senate building projects, staff accommodation, and provision of transport vehicles.
Governor Diri also promised that the state’s 60mw independent power plant would cover the university’s location once it becomes functional.
He expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, for establishing the UAT, which he noted was meeting the educational needs of the state and beyond.
The Vice Chancellor of UAT, Prof. Solomon Ebobrah, announced that 66 students were awarded First Class degrees out of the 905 graduands.
He listed several challenges facing the institution, including uncompleted buildings, lack of perimeter fencing, power supply, and staff accommodation.
The Pro Chancellor, Barr. Kemela Okara, thanked the government for its support towards the successful accreditation of all programs by the National Universities Commission.
