Prof. Yakubu Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor of Yobe State University said on Saturday that although Boko-Haram insurgency had a negative effect on his institution, the university remained committed to pursuance of quality education.
Speaking in Damaturu during the maiden convocation ceremony of the institution, Mukhtar said the university started with 50 staff in 2006 but now had 709 academic and non academic staff.
He commended the state government for providing funds for staff development as well as necessary facilities that enable the accreditation of courses.
Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, who was also conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree, assured his administration’s commitment to education and other sectors to improve the lives of the people.
Gaidam said government spent N289 million on sponsorship of 28 lecturers of the university to undergo post-graduate studies overseas.
He said government released N1.3 billion for the construction of structures and supply of equipment to the College of Medical Sciences.
According to him, establishment of the College will enable the training health personnel, thereby addressing the challenge of inadequacy of trained manpower in the health sector.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the maiden convocation covers five sets of over 2000 graduands who completed their studies in the last five years.
The ceremony, held under tight security in view of the recent abduction of school girls in Dapchi town of the state, also featured the formal installation of Alhaji Muhammadu Grema, Emir of Tikau as the Chancellor of the institution (NAN)