Varsity honours Nwoko, others at convocation

Former member, Federal House of Representatives and founder Stars University of Sports, Ugboko, Delta State, Ned Nwoko alongside oil and gas mogul, Abiola Oyedotun were honoured by the Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun (FUPRE) at its just concluded convocation.

The event was attended by the Emir of Zamfara, Alhaji Attahiru Mohammad Ahmad and other top traditional rulers.

Accepting the honour on behalf of the other awardee, Nwoko said it is an amazing moment standing on the front row of history to accept the prestigious honour.

“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 renowned philanthropist affirmed that the award holds so much fascination for him.

He recounted his love for learning 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.

The University of Petroleum Resources Effurun was established in 1997 and resumed academic activities with 50 undergraduates in 1998; however, becoming the first premier university in Africa and 6th in the world.

At the second convocation ceremony the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Anthony Onwuka, represented President Muhammadu Buhari.

Hon. Nwoko, a prince of Idumuje- Ugboko kingdom in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State is reputed for public charities through multi million scholarships to students in secondary and tertiary schools as well as empowerment scheme to thousands of people in the informal sector.

He is the facilitator of the proposed Stars University, Idumuje Ugboko, the first Sports University in sub Saharan Africa.

The FUPRE award is the second of such outstanding honour for the lawmaker having received Doctor of Letters (D.Litt). from the Commonwealth University Belize, North America in 1995.