GSU skips Shettima, bestows Boss Mustapha, others honorary doctorate degrees
….5,944 persons graduates, with 116 obtaining first class degrees
Gombe State University on Saturday, skipped the Vice President of Nigeria Kashim Shettima, from its list of awardees during the school’s 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th combined convocation ceremony.
Our correspondent had reported following the briefing done by the Vice Chancellor Professor Aliyu El-Nafaty, that Shettima, and six others were billed to be decorated with awards for their immense contributions to the society.
El-Nafaty had during the briefing on Friday described the seven as distinguished personalities of the time, adding that, “Alhaji Kashim Shettima Mustapha, GCON Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria with honorary degree of Humane letters honouris causa. He was a life saver. He demonstrated this virtue in Borno State as governor of the state at the time insurgency bedeviled the state he fought gallantly for the helpless people he took an oath to serve. He never quitters quitters never win. He remained resolute and focused throughout the moments of trials. It’s premised on his outstanding performance which drew our attention to him, hence the award.”
However, during the conferment of awards on the six, there was no mention of Shettima, nor was he represented at the occasion.
Former Secretary to Government of the Federation; Boss Mustapha, Professor Idris Mohammed, of Infectious and Immunology was bestowed emeritus professor; former board chairman of TETFUND; Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, former Finance Minister; Hajiya Zainab Ahmed, former ECOMOG General Commander late Timothy Shelpidi, were honoured at the occasion.
Meanwhile, no fewer than 5,944 persons have graduated, with 116 obtaining first class degrees. 28 had distinction from non-classified degrees; 1,511 second class upper, 3,326 earned second class lower, 801 third class and 162 with pass.
El- Nafaty added that in terms of gender, they have been fair as they greatly minimised the disparity between men- women students’ enrollment, adding that GSU understands the challenges of the girls-child in the North East Sub- region.
“In this convocation 40 per cent are female which had increased from 30 per cent over the years.We equally fathom the positive correlation between girl-child education, gross national product and increase of life expectancy. Thus, rapid socio- economic development of a nation has a link with the calibre of women and their education,” he added.
