REMARKS BY THE SPECIAL GUEST OF HONOUR VICE ADMIRAL AWWAL ZUBAIRU GAMBO AM GSS psc ensp (RSA)MTM MNIN MUSNI FCIS FIIPS FCAI THE CHIEF OF THE NAVAL STAFF AT THE OCCASION OF THIRD MATRICULATION CEREMONY OF THE ADMIRALTY UNIVERSITY ASABA ON SATURDAY 24 APRIL 2021
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1. I am delighted to be with you on this auspicious occasion of the Third Matriculation ceremony of the Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN). I am happy that even in the face of the prevailing uncertainties in our national life occasioned by the global COVID-19 crisis, ADUN has managed to keep pace with its mandate, programmes, and its traditions and values.
2. The Matriculation ceremony is a special occasion associated with the act of formally admitting students into the University by enrolling their names in the University’s Register. Today we have witnessed the matriculation of 114 promising young Nigerians. After this solemn assembly, they can proudly count themselves as bonafide students of this prestigious institution. Matriculation is a bold step of faith for an individual. It grants those who seek university education, exclusive access to the infinite goodness of the university environment. It symbolises the beginning of a profound life-long journey of personal growth, as well as academic and professional grooming in a stimulating and adaptive environment. In other words, University Matriculation symbolises hope for a better, brighter and productive future.
3. The Admiralty University of Nigeria promises to nurture that hope for all students. Significantly, it also represents light, learning and functional leadership for the next generation of leaders in our nation. It is envisioned to be an internationally recognized university with global perspectives that meet the dynamic needs of society by educating leaders who shall embrace value-creation for the good of mankind. Indeed, it promises to promote a functional and comprehensive system to bring about high quality manpower that can drive wealth creation in the abundance of natural endowments/resources. We expect in due course that the ADUN Graduate will be self-reliant, creative and both willing and able to contribute to sustainable development of Nigeria. The young men and women who matriculated today are on course to represent these universal and unfailing values.
4. As a technically driven and service oriented organisation in an exerting operational environment, the Nigerian Navy is proud to be associated with the global perspective and upward dynamism of the ADUN vision and goals. This explains the status of the Nigerian Navy as one of the founders of the University, its continuous presence and proprietorship and its unshaken commitment to ADUN. In retrospect, in July 2015, the Nigerian Navy entered into a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with Hellenic Education Nigeria to found the University. The Nigerian Navy has since the inception of the Admiralty University of Nigeria given financial, human, material, technical and moral support in furtherance of its lofty goals. However, I am constrained to state that owing to some fundamental differences in the approaches to the resourcing and management of the University by the proprietors, the NN has initiated the process of reviewing the partnership with Hellenic. Very shortly, the ongoing process should yield a re-branded, stronger and more sustainable Admiralty University of Nigeria. I make bold to state that even in the dynamic flux of the ongoing processes, the Nigerian Navy is committed to the ADUN project and shall continue to support the University to full maturity and development.
5. At this point, I wish to acknowledge and appreciate the pioneering but outstanding work of the leadership, management and staff for keeping the vision and dreams of the Admiralty University of Nigeria aloft and alive. I salute the parents, guardians and sponsors of the entire students. I know that your love for good education and a more secure future for your children and wards brought them here. I urge you to keep faith with the University as it delivers on its mandate. I salute all the students and indeed, Admirable of the Admiralty University of Nigeria. Please be of good conduct and cheer, for you are in a good place. I specially congratulate the 114 Matriculants. Today is truly your day and you deserve it. I urge you to be at par with your commitments, drive and actions, so that in the not so distant future we shall gather once again for your graduation.
6. God bless the Admiralty University of Nigeria and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Onward together.