FORMER Deputy Chief of Staff to Delta State Government, Chief Emma Ejiofor on Friday, December 10th 2021, received an academic doctorate degree in Banking & Finance from Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State.
The astute politician cum economic and financial expert received the doctorate degree alongside other students during the eighteenth convocation ceremony of the famous citadel of learning held at the Edeh’s Ark.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor I.N Nnatuanya while speaking on behalf of Board of Trustees and Council of Senate, said “eighteenth years is a very important milestone in the annals of a university.”
He said the university was churning out a good number of full-time and part-time graduates and award of doctorate, masters and first degrees and presentation of first prizes and a lecture.
While speaking on the challenges facing the university since he assumed the office some years ago, he said God has assisted the institution to overcome her challenges as they come, adding that in a bid to sustain the institution, the management had resolved to generate extra revenue.
He commended the Rivers State government and stakeholders for its efforts at developing the educational sector in the state.
Chief Emma Ejiofor PhD who was first appointed a Special Adviser during the Ibori administration and later elevated as Chief of Staff, Delta State Government House, Asaba; is currently the Onishe of Ubulu-uku kingdom in Aniocha South LGA.
Speaking with newsmen after he was conferred with academic doctorate degree in Banking & Finance, Ejiofor urged the government to come up with education policy to solve the problem of unemployment.
Dr Ejiofor lamented that so many things are wrong with the education system which produced unemployed graduates, saying, skills and competence should be inculcated.
He said “Some things are wrong with education system, because most of our graduates are not employed. 40 to 50 years ago people secured jobs immediately they finished their education, but, it is no longer happening, it means something are wrong, we cannot keep on doing same things and expect different results.
“There are a lot of areas skills are needed, lack of good direction; we keep on churning graduates every year without employment. Government should come up with education policy inculcate in them skills and competence.
Ejiofor commended the Nigeria Apex Bank for its focus in 2022, which he noted was aimed at increasing the Nigeria’s Non-oil Exports sector.
Hear him, “According to the CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, the central bank would work with tertiary institutions to unleash the potential in our young graduates. I think the CBN have done well to kick off the scheme over the last six months by working with these institutions to create a window for our young graduates, those who are in school and those who have left school, to be able to access innovative financing for them to be able to unleash the potential they have and contribute to national development.” he said
The Financial expert described the CBN scheme as unique, giving the fact that “this is the first time that you are getting our youth uncollateralised loans in the case of the term loan component at single digit interest rate. You also have the fact that there is also an equity investment component. So, the CBN will be able to invest in either start-ups or businesses that need financing,” adding that the CBN was equally doing well by providing grants to some of the tertiary institutions who have bankable ideas that can easily be monetised.
Dr Ejiofor thanked his family, especially the mother, wife and children as well as friends for all their supports through prayers in the course of study.
Meanwhile, the Rivers state government commended the management of the institution for its efforts at improving the standard of education in the state
By Patrick Ogbogu
