The Founder, Newgate University, Minna, Niger State Dr Hassan Nuhu, has emphasized the need for higher institutions in the country to focus on producing job creators rather than job seekers to improve Nigeria’s economic situation.
Nuhu made the statement at the university’s maiden convocation ceremony, in Minna.
He stated that Newgate University is prepared to equip it’s students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become innovators and entrepreneurs, rather than just degree holders.
“We are not here to merely award degrees, we are here to equip destinies,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Sadiq Yusuf, disclosed that 14 students graduated with first-class honours, 81 with second-class upper, 88 with second-class lower, and 24 with third-class degrees.
He also highlighted the university’s rapid growth, from 350 students in 2022 to 2,000 students across 13 academic programmes in four faculties, with ten programmes receiving full accreditation from the Nigerian University Commission (NUC).
Also, in his remarks during the commissioning of the Governor Mohammed Umar Bago school of postgraduate studies, the State Governor Mohammed Bago said education remains the strongest catalyst for transformation the path through which societies break limitations and children discover possibilities.
According to him, “Our administration’s support to this University was not an act of charity. It was a purposeful investment in the future of Niger State”
He further stated that the commissioning of notable structures like the General Abdulsalami Abubakar Centre for Informatics and Technology Development, Engr Abdulkadir Kure Auditorium, and the Main Library named after Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu showcases a culture of honour, gratitude, and continuity.
“These values are essential for the growth and development of the institution and the nation at large.”