By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

The Niger Delta University (NDU), Amassoma, owned by the Bayelsa State Government, is set to confer degrees on 6,536 students during its 7th combined convocation ceremony slated for Thursday.

Graduating Class Breakdown:

First Class Honours: 69

Second Class Upper Division: 1,946

Second Class Lower Division: 3,009

Third Class: 699

Pass: 3

At the postgraduate level:

Master’s Degrees: 458

Professional Diplomas: 16

Postgraduate Diplomas: 191

Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs): 145

Vice-Chancellor’s Address and New Initiatives:

During a pre-convocation press briefing at the University Senate Building, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Allen Agih, announced that the institution would also celebrate its 25th Anniversary/Founder’s Day and launch an Endowment Fund before the end of the year.

Prof. Agih disclosed that NDU has established various centres and institutes to tackle societal challenges such as security, poverty, and climate change. These include:

Institute of Climate Change (ICC)

Institute of Natural Medicine (INM)

Data Analytics and Students’ Placement Centre (DAC)

Open and Distance Learning Centre (ODL)

Niger Delta University Business School

Niger Delta University Microfinance Bank

NDU Modular Refinery

NDU Modular Refinery and Research Focus:

Prof. Agih highlighted that the Modular Refinery license was acquired before his tenure, but operations are now being fast-tracked. He noted that these new establishments are still in their formative stages but are expected to transform the university significantly in the near future.

“All the centres and institutes have commenced operations, and we believe that in the nearest future, activities in these centres will positively impact the economic and general well-being of Bayelsans and the larger public,” he said.

He emphasized that these initiatives are not just for academic purposes but are also aimed at providing relevant skills and capacity development for sustainable living.

Prof. Agih encouraged MDAs, especially Local Government Areas, to partner with the university to empower youths and women for sustainable livelihoods.

NDU Research Farm and Agricultural Focus: The Vice-Chancellor also announced the activation of the NDU Research Farm with the acquisition of four hectares of land.

“We have successfully planted Vitamin A cassava. Within six months, the cassava will be harvested, processed, packaged, and sold as either Vitamin A garri or Vitamin A fufu. We also have a cassava stem multiplication farm, which will be ready for harvesting in the next planting season,” he stated.

He added that agriculture and natural medicine are key areas where NDU holds competitive advantages, and the institution is committed to advancing these sectors.

Appreciation and Acknowledgments: Prof. Agih expressed gratitude to local and international partners for their contributions to research and development. He also commended the Bayelsa State Government and other supportive institutions, including:

Bayelsa State Education Trust Fund

Bayelsa State Education Loans Board

TETFund

NELfund

NDDC

NCDMB

SNEPCo

SPDC

NNPC

PTDF

These collaborations, he said, have led to robust research and infrastructural development at the university.