ESPAM FORMATION UNIVERSITY (COTONOU) INSTALLS NSCDC COMMANDANT GENERAL, ABUBAKR AS FIRST PRO -CHANCELLOR
ESPAM-Formation University, Cotonu, Benin Republic, has installed the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar, as its first Pro-Chancellor.
Abubakar was installed during the 9th Convocation/12th Matriculation Ceremony of the institution held at the University’s campus, Contonou, Benin Republic.
In his speech, the newly-installed Pro-Chancellor stated that challenges such as the process of democratisation in the sub-region, including problems relating to governance, electoral reforms, the rule of law, leadership, corruption, hunger and poverty, have affected the West African countries.
He lamented that terrorism, typified by the Boko Haram in Nigeria, the ethno-political crisis in Northern Mali, Mauritania and Niger, is the fast-sweeping act from West Africa.
He stated that the crises have become major problems that not only threaten the security and stability of the country involved but also threaten that of other countries in the sub-region, especially neighbouring countries.
According to him, the crises are early warning signs that challenge the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS to develop a more vigorous framework to address future occurrences in order to minimize full-blown conflicts in the sub-region.
He said that the NSCDC, in its capacity to support ECOWAS conflict management and security mechanisms, is focused on the deliberate repositioning of the organisation through rapid capacity building and effective participation in peace-building and crisis resolution processes, adding that in line with this, the NSCDC is sponsoring 15 of its staff to participate in a programme on gender and peace building.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Martial Lipeb, appreciates the newly-installed Pro-Chancellor for accepting to accompany the University, in the prestigious position of Pro-Chancellor.
He noted that Abubakar’s presence is a testimony of the international recognition and prestige of the institution which trains to nurture high-profile students in their areas of specialisation.
He, however, advised that the graduating students be good ambassadors of the University.
Professor Lipeb also urged the graduands to standouts and be competitive wherever they are and never forget that they are winners.
He said, ‘’To graduands, I want to say “thank you” for your time with Espam Formation University. Today is a new day for your future that begins this day. Be our ambassadors wherever you go, be different from many others, be competitive and never forget that Espam is for the winners.
‘’To the matriculating students, I want to assure you that you have made a good choice. The University will grow quantitatively and qualitatively because of your hard work, discipline and commitment”, he added.
Speaking on the topic, ‘’Implication of Development crisis in Human Security in West Africa” the Guest Speaker and Director of Academic Planning and Quality Assurance, Professor Tyoor Fredrick, explained that current trends, and present economic, social and political conditions in West Africa indicate that the region is confronted by serious crises of development.
He noted that the crises have threatened the welfare and existence of broad segments of the population, adding that there is still more to be done in securing the human populations and stabilizing the sub-region.
SOURCE : INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER
