FUPRE Confers Doctorate Award On Prince Ned Nwoko

…Says Award Is Badge Of Honour, Seal Of Approval

By Patrick Ochei

The amiable and ebullient prince of Idumuje-Ugboko Kingdom, Hon. Prince Ned Nwoko has received the Honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) Award from the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State, Nigeria.

Accepting the honour on behalf of other awardees, Ned Nwoko said it was an amazing moment standing on the front row of history to accept this prestigious honour.

According to him, ” To be recognised by the University is a badge of honour, seal of approval, power of confidence, acclamation of competence and celebration of social distinction.

This is a life long privilege given the lofty essence of University. The idea of the University is not just the treasure of learning and knowledge. It confers the finest toga of human prestige, dignity and self assurance”.

Speaking further, the kind hearted former House of Reps Member affirmed that the award holds so much fascination for him.

He recounted his love for education and how he dared beyond the ordinary to acquire western education and exposure in England.

In addition, he stressed that such personal effort and conviction changed his orientation even as a fulfilling international legal practitioner; thereby spurring him to return to Nigeria in 1999 to serve his fatherland in politics and humanity.

Ned Nwoko however, in his usual characteristics of philanthropy and capacity building, supported each of the 21 First Class graduates of the University with the sum of one million (totaling N21 million).

The University of Petroleum Resources Effurun was established in 1997 and resumed academic activities with 50 undergraduates in 1998; however, becoming the first ever premier university in Africa and 6th in the world. Today it has over 4000 registered students.

At this second convocation ceremony holding on Saturday 27th April, 2019, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Onwuka ably represented the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.

The Chancellor of the University, HRH Alhaji Dr. Attahiru Mohammad Ahmad (the Emir of Zamfara), the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Shehu Abdullahi Zuru (Professor of Petroleum Law and Policy), Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. A.O. Akii Ibhadode, including other eminent Nigerians were fully on ground playing prominent roles to ensure adequate success of the ceremony.

Moreover, the arrival of Prince Ned Nwoko to the venue of the Doctorate award was heralded by royal welcome and delightful ovation. He had come to the University’s ceremony with members of his family, several Anioma Royal Fathers, business associates, friends, supporters from the students community and Anioma groups.