_: Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’Allah, outgoing Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja, has urged students of the Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies, of the university to participate in peace-building.
Na’Allah, who advised the students at a pre-graduation dinner and award ceremony in Abuja, also urged them to uphold the ethics of conflict resolution in their various professions.
The vice chancellor, who was represented by the Director of the institute, Prof. Mutiullah Olasupo, highlighted the importance of participating in peace-building processes in the society.
He said the institute would continue to strengthen its manpower base through training of employees, research, and advocacy.
‘We celebrate your milestone achievements; you have worked hard and persevered to reach this point, and now it is time for you to spread your wings and soar high in pursuit of your dreams.
‘I wish you success as you venture into the real world and take on new challenges and opportunities.
‘Throu
ghout the years of your coursework, we have shared so many experiences.
‘From the challenging exams and late-night study sessions to the laughter-filled events and heartfelt discussions, each moment has shaped the person you are today.
‘I hope you have learned not only courses of your study but also valuable life lessons about teamwork, resilience, conflict resolution, astute leadership, and the power of curiosity.
‘I wish you all the best in your future endeavours, and may you continue to impact the world,’ he said.
A lecturer at the institute, retired Maj.-Gen. Bola Koleoso, emphasised the need for the students to embrace the spirit of discipline and be good ambassadors of the institute.
He urged them to regulate their behaviours so that they do not make a negative impact on society, saying: ‘You must be aware of who you are and the impact you are having on others.”
He urged them to learn intelligent skills to enable them to interact positively with people for the benefit of mankind.
A student of Cr
iminology and Security Students, Mr Isaac Ogbaji, who is also the Chairman of the event’s Planning Committee, said the institute offered him the opportunity to learn about the security challenges in the country.
‘I have finished my project and submitted it as expected. Right now I am waiting for my certificate.
‘I feel so delighted to be here. Mahatma Gandhi once said that wisdom comes with so much pain. I have gone through so much pain here.
‘As I look forward to the next phase of my life, I am better than I used to be because my wisdom, understanding, and enlightenment have increased.
‘I have increased in all areas of my life because I am a student of Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace, Leadership and Development Studies,” he said.
Ogbaji praised the institute for the quality of training it offers, saying: ‘The institute is well-arranged, well-programmed. The teaching and learning experience is well-structured and I got more than I expected.
‘With all that I have learned from the institute, I am prep
ared to attack and deal with challenges that affect the world and Nigeria in particular,’ Ogbaji said.
One of the Award recipients, Dr Khadija Abdulrahman, who commended the Institute for finding her worthy, urged all Nigerians to place the unity, peace, and development of the country above all other interests.
‘We should love the country ahead of thinking of ourselves.
‘We should be encouraged that in our oneness is where our greatness lies as a country and our strength as Nigeria lies together in our unity.
‘For the students, we have shown exemplary attitudes and leadership to them and I think we have equipped them enough to face the challenges in Nigeria.
‘They are good to go and I believe they will contribute to the peace-building, unity, and strength of this country,” she said.
Source: News Agency of Nigeria