From Eleojo Samuel Adaji Jalingo

A philanthropist and founder of Mecapacynth International Academy in Abuja and Wukari local government area of Taraba State, Chief Dr. David Sabo Kente, has urged the descendant of the Kwararafa dynasty and other well-meaning Nigerians to support the community-based Kwararafa University, Wukari, Taraba State to meet its academic mission.

Dr. Kente pleaded with all stakeholders to do everything possible to rescue the university from collapsing.

The philanthropist who made the plea shortly after he was awarded with a honorary doctorate degree of public service at the 2nd joint convocation ceremony of the university held at the school premises last weekend said the founders of the institution needed to be encouraged to meet up with their aspiration.

“Let us do our best to make Kwararafa University a place to be proud of,” he said.

The business tycoon thanked the University community, especially the Senate for finding him worthy of the award.

Kente, pledged to continue supporting education and the sustenance of the institution, which is one of first Africa community University.

He said he rejected offers of such awards from five major universities across Nigeria to be honored with a doctorate degree, but decided to accept the one from a university founded by his community because the initiative is so dear to him.

“Ask my aides. I have rejected offers from five universities to be honored with a doctorate degree, but I accepted this one because the university is dear to me and the honour is coming directly from my community. I appreciate the honour and I won’t take it for granted

Dr. Kente, a former financial facilitator on education with the North East Development Commission (NEDC), said he has helped in facilitating the building of lecture halls and staff quarters in the institution while working with the commission.

“Asides from that I have personally built structures in the University and I have a scholarship program in the University through my foundation, DSK foundation “said.

Kente added, he would continue to deploy his God-given ability of working hard to achieve positive and admirable results in the country’s educational landscape, especially in the Kwararafa University.

He disclosed that the Kwararafa University was conceived by the five local governments in Southern Taraba, but nurtured by only a few people.”

“It was through the collective efforts of some stakeholders, including the staff and students that the university is surviving, I am calling on all the descendants of the great Kwararafa empire and all well meaning Nigerians to help the university attain its vision and projection.”

Apart from Chief Dr. Kente, notable individuals also received awards including Attah Igala, Alaji Mathew Opaluwa Oguche Akpa II who was awarded with doctor of letters and former Group Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Engr Andrew Yakubu, was awarded doctor of science.///.

From Eleojo Samuel Adaji Jalingo

Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have apprehended 12 suspected kidnappers and recovered 14 motorcycles, a locally fabricated pistol, and two bags of Indian hemp in its operations within Taraba State.
This was contained in a Press Release signed by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations of the 6 Brigade in Jalingo on Tuesday.

“Following a distress call from the residents of Chanchanji village regarding the abduction of two individuals by a group of about 10 armed men on motorcycles on 7 November 2024. Acting immediately, troops launched a rapid response operation aimed at rescuing the victims and intercepting the kidnappers.
“Upon making contact with the armed group, the superior firepower of the troops forced the kidnappers to withdraw deep into the bush, leaving behind their locally fabricated pistol and two bags of Indian hemp”.
According to capt. Oni the troops’ thorough exploitation of the area prevented further criminal activity and disrupted the kidnappers’ operations.
“In a subsequent follow-up operation which was based on credible intelligence, troops on 9 November 24 arrested 12 suspects and seized 14 motorcycles at a local drinking joint in Mbhakyir village close to Agu Center.
“During an intensive investigation, the troops arrested the suspects who upon interrogation. admitted to being part of the kidnapping operation and identified their leader as Veior John Gata, a notorious terrorist who has been on the wanted list of security agencies for orchestrating criminal activities in parts of southern Taraba and Benue states”.

The suspects, according to the acting Director Army public Relations the suspects further confessed that Veior was with them at Agu center on 5 November 2024 before the killing of two locals and abduction of two individuals on 6th and 7th November, respectively at Chanchanji village in Takum local government.
“They suspects added that Veior was displeased with the locals in Chanchanji, hence he want to ensure that the market is closed down by putting fear and terror in the mind of both buyers and sellers”.
The Release commended the efforts of local residents for their cooperation, encouraging them to continue providing timely and credible information to facilitate security operations.
Captain Olubodunde Oni stressed that 6 Brigade Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all communities within its area of operation.
He therefore advised members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies in their area///.

Eleojo Samuel Jalingo

Kwararafa University Wukari, Taraba State, has conferred honorary doctorate degrees on a former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu, the Attah-Igala, Mathew Alaji Oguche and a former director of finance of the National Assembly, David Kente.

The conferment of the degrees was held on Saturday at the premises of the university during the 2nd combined 2017-2024 convocation ceremony of the university.

Mr Yakubu, a former GMD of NNPC now NNPCL, was conferred with a Doctor of Science degree, the Attah Igala was awarded a Doctor of Letters degree, while Mr Kente was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service.

While congratulating the recipients, the University’s Vice Chancellor, prof. Shishi Zhema, said “while we celebrate and recognise your achievements in various aspects of human endeavours, we are quick to remind you of the responsibility these honours come with.”

In his remarks, Mr Yakubu, who is also the Pro Chancellor of the institution, said he is proud to be a descendant of the great Kwararafa Kingdom.

He urged the graduates to be proud of being products of the first Africa community University with rich cultural history.

Yakubu then announced a donation of N10 million for the establishment of a department in the University for the study of Kwararafa history.

Also speaking, Mr Kente, who has contributed a lot to the development of the University, appealed to other descendants of the dynasty across the country to join hands in uplifting the school.

While apologizing for the delay in holding convocation, Zhema said “today’s event is a historic moment, as it marks only the second convocation in the university’s life since our last in March 2017.

“We recognise the delays some of our graduates faced in receiving their original certificates and I deeply apologise for these setbacks.

“This convocation covers eight graduating sets and we are committed to holding future convocations annually, to ensure that our graduates receive the recognition they deserve promptly.

“The university is committed to improving its processes and upholding its promise of providing quality education and a streamlined experience for our students,” he said.

Mr Zhema said that since he took over the mantle of leadership, he has been working with his management towards enhancing the university’s policies and vision.

“Building on my predecessor’s strong foundation, we have introduced new policies and improvements aimed at continuous development.

“It is through such collaborative and forward-looking leadership that Kwararafa University, Wukari continues to grow as a beacon of higher learning and social transformation in Nigeria.

“Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future for our students and the community we serve.

“In the past two years, we have made significant strides across various fronts. Our enrollment numbers have seen remarkable growth, reflecting the increasing trust in the quality and relevance of our programmes.

“Through the National Universities Commission, we have achieved accreditation for all academic programmes, stabilised our academic calendar and enhanced the infrastructural development of both our city and main campuses.

“Furthermore, we have taken a bold step to introduce postgraduate programmes. These programmes have been resource verified by the NUC and we are optimistic about further expanding our offerings to meet the demands of our evolving world.

“This represents our commitment to providing a world-class education that equips our students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive.

“A crucial aspect of our strategy has been fostering sustainable partnerships and entrepreneurial endeavours.

“These initiatives are part of our mission to diversify funding sources, prioritise staff welfare and create a stable environment for both students and staff.

“Our goal is to build a vibrant academic community that can adapt and innovate in response to emerging challenges.

“Today, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students. It is with great pride that I announce the success of 26 students who have attained the prestigious First Class Honours across our three colleges, with nine of them set to receive the university’s prestigious awards,” he noted.//////