A 54-year-old businessman and father of three, Mr. Nyia Sunday, has emerged the overall best graduating student of the the National Open University of Nigeria.
Sunday, who hails from Enugu State, obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution Studies from the university, as revealed at the institution’s convocation held last Saturday in Lagos.
Sunday, a Maiduguri, Borno State-based businessman, said it was determination that saw him through the programme.
He said, “Like every other aspect of human life, when you develop a passion for something, no matter the challenges you may have, you will definitely overcome them.
“I worked hard for this and God also made it possible for me. Right from the day I enrolled at NOUN, I told myself I must come out in flying colours. I had first graduated from a college of education, before enrolling for the degree programme.
“I worked with the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited in the past, but ever since the privatisation of the company, I have been in business. Despite my grade, I do not plan to look for a job. I enjoy being self-employed because my business earns me a good living.”
The Supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, who represented the visitor to the university, President Goodluck Jonathan, on the occasion, said the government would continue to promote the standard of tertiary education in the country.
He also promised to ensure cordial relationship with university lecturers to prevent any further disruption of studies in the country.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Vincent Tenebe, said the university was in the forefront of providing affordable and accessible open and distance education in the country.
He, however, urged the Federal Government to assist the institution to overcome its challenges through increased funding.
Other highlights of the convocation ceremony included the graduation of the first set of Law and Mass Communication graduates, and the conferment of honorary degrees on two prominent Nigerians – a former University of Benin Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Grace Alele Williams, and a philanthropist, Alhaji Muhammed Kwara.
