The College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Jalingo, has held its first convocation ceremony in 29 years, bringing back a major academic tradition that had been absent from the institution for nearly three decades.
The combined 17th to 45th Convocation Ceremony, held in Jalingo, brought together graduands from different academic sessions, government officials, traditional rulers, academics, families and other stakeholders to celebrate the completion of their studies.
Representing the Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, challenged the graduands to use the knowledge and skills acquired from the institution to turn Taraba’s abundant agricultural and natural resources into wealth and employment.
Governor Kefas said his administration remained committed to strengthening education and agriculture, while encouraging students and farmers to adopt modern agricultural methods and technologies.
He congratulated the graduands on their achievements and urged them to remain good ambassadors of the institution.
The Governor also called on the management of the College to strengthen training and research to ensure that graduates are equipped to address challenges confronting the agricultural sector.
The return of the convocation ceremony marks a significant moment in the history of the College, restoring an academic tradition that had been suspended for 29 years.
For the Rector of the College, Dr. Yakubu Ali Garjila, the ceremony was also an opportunity to acknowledge the support of the Taraba State Government.
Garjila expressed appreciation to Governor Kefas for interventions that contributed to the successful re-accreditation of programmes offered by the institution.
He, however, identified inadequate hostel facilities, offices and staff accommodation, electricity supply and poor road conditions as some of the challenges affecting the College.
The Rector appealed for continued support to address the challenges and provide a more conducive environment for teaching, learning and research.
The Chairman of the College Governing Council, Dr. Mohammed Shatta, represented by former Taraba State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Pastor Gambo Ndafo, presented HND, ND and intermediate certificates to the graduands.
Speaking on behalf of the graduands, the Valedictorian, Donald Daniel, commended Governor Kefas for his interventions in the education sector and his support for the College.
He urged his fellow graduands to put their education to practical use and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.
The ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Taraba State House of Assembly Committee on Education, Hon. Josiah Yaro Angye, and other lawmakers.
Also present were the Commissioner for Tertiary Institutions, Dr. Mike Dio Jen, represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Saviour Noku; members of the State Executive Council; the Deputy State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Hon. Pastor Stephen Orthaniel; heads of sister tertiary institutions; heads of security agencies; Chairpersons of Local Government Councils; traditional rulers, including the Lamdo Gashaka; permanent secretaries; special advisers; heads of boards and parastatals; academic and administrative staff; members of the press and families of the graduands.
The ceremony was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a restoration of institutional tradition.
After 29 years without a convocation, the College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Jalingo, has once again provided a platform for its graduates to be formally celebrated and presented to society.
The development comes at a time when Taraba State is placing renewed emphasis on agriculture, education, skills development and the use of its natural resources to drive economic growth.
With the return of the convocation tradition, stakeholders expressed optimism that the College will continue to strengthen its academic programmes, expand research and produce graduates capable of contributing to Taraba’s agricultural and economic development.
For the graduands, the ceremony marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another.
For the College, it marked the return of a tradition that had been missing for almost three decades.
After 29 years, the convocation bell has sounded again at CATS Jalingo — signalling a new chapter for the institution and its graduates.
Apex Media Network
