By Waziri Isa Adam
The Vice Chancellor of Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State, Professor Williams Barnabas Qurix, has asked all stakeholders of the University that he may have offended, consciously or unconsciously, in the discharge of his role as the Institution’s Vice Chancellor, to forgive him.
“As a human being, I am conscious of the fact that I am liable to committing one form of mistake or the other. I may have also offended one person or the other, during my stewardship as the Vice Chancellor. It is for this reason therefore that I am compelled to seek for the forgiveness of all, particularly those that I may have offended”, Professor Qurix stated in an emotion laden, and valedictory-like speech yesterday (6th/12/2023) during the Institution’s 19th/2023/2024 matriculation ceremony, which marked his last major academic activity as Vice Chancellor at Bingham.
“I want to seize this opportunity to inform this August gathering that this is my last Matriculation as Vice Chancellor of this great university which I have successfully served for six years”, he announced.
Professor Qurix who gave God the glory for giving him opportunity to lead the University for this period, also thanked the leadership of ECWA , the Board of Trustees and Council for the opportunity, and for providing the enabling environment and support for the University to thrive.
“We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to each parent and guardian for entrusting us with the education of your children and wards”, he stated, adding that,”as they embark on this exciting journey at Bingham, we recognize the significant role you have played in nurturing and guiding them to this point. Education and development of students are a shared responsibility between the University and parents so that we create an environment that maximizes the potential for academic success, personal growth, and well-rounded individuals”.
He called on all stakeholders of the university to accord the same support he enjoyed, to the next Vice Chancellor who is expected to take over mantle of the University’s leadership on the 8th of January, 2024.
Addressing the students, the outgoing Vice Chancellor admonished them to make sure that they acquaint themselves with the laws of the University which are rooted in Christian faith, that are enshrined in the students handbook, and to adhere diligently to them.
“As a faith-based Institution, Bingham University maintains a steadfast commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against social vices, including cultism, social misconduct, drug abuse, bullying, and related behaviors”, he announced, warning that, “Any individual found violating these principles will face appropriate sanctions”.
He told the students that Bingham University which was established in 2005/2006, has a rich history of giving it’s students endless opportunities to help them develop important life skills in line with it’s Vision: “to become a World-class University in knowledge and skills, while inculcating moral and spiritual values ; and Mission: ” to produce graduates that are excellent in knowledge, character, and skills for self-reliance and in the fear of Christ”.
“Now that you have become an integral part of Bingham University and it’s future, as it is stated in proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”, your time at Bingham will be a period of Intellectual sharpening, where you will engage with diverse perspectives, learn from accomplished scholars, and most importantly, learn from one another”, he stressed.
“As you matriculate into Bingham University, carry with you the conviction that your education here is not just for personal gain but for the betterment of society. Remember that grass is never greener on the other side, it is greener where you water it”, he emphasized to the students.
A total of about 1500 students were matriculated into various faculties of the University.
Below are some of the matriculation pictures:
