Nigeria Turkish University Holds Maiden Convocation

Nigeria Turkish University Holds Maiden Convocation

A total of 60 students received their degrees at the maiden annual convocation of the Nigeria Turkish Nile University, Abuja, held at the congress hall of the university campus on Saturday.

Vice Chancellor, Nigeria Turkish Nile University, Professor Huseyin Sert, in his welcome speech said the convocation confirms that the university has come of age.

"After today, the university marches on towards its destiny with sure steps. In future, Nigeria Turkish Nile University is not only going to be on an academic or intellectual scale in Nigeria or Africa, but on a world-wide scale. We are confident and certain that it is going to be one of the best universities in the world."

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Muhammad Abubakar and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, were conferred with honourary Doctor of Science degrees by the university respectively. Speaking at the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar congratulated the vice chancellor and management of the university for their hard work in building a great institution and veritable centre of excellence within a short time.

On her part, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said: "I am impressed by the wonderful friendship and cooperation between Turkey and Nigeria. Even though it's done by a private foundation, it is still a signal to us that Turkey's government and people are interested in having a relationship with Nigeria. I love the mix of young Nigerian and Turkish men and women. I think this university is a fantastic idea because it is not just about education but it's about people. It's about getting our people together."

Representing President Goodluck Jonathan, Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa'i said the ever growing relationship between Turkey and Nigeria since the introduction of the Nigeria Turkey schools suggests that education is indeed a viable tool for fostering stronger and wider bilateral relationships between nations.

Dignitaries who attended the convocation included Prof Femi Mimiko Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, ambassadors of Turkey, Germany, Malaysia and Indonesia and representatives of various Nigerian universities.