Private universities can produce better graduates – Chancellor

Emma Okorie, the Chancellor of Rhema University, Aba in Abia State, says private universities in Nigeria have the capacities for producing better graduates.

Okorie spoke on Saturday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria at the award night organised by the National Human Rights Commission to commemorate the commission’s 20th anniversary and the International Human Rights Day.

He insisted that the presence of adequate amenities and teaching methods in private universities gave them the opportunity to produce outstanding manpower for the country’s development.

He said: “We take time to groom our children and very soon, private university students will revolutionise the country.

“If we transform these children, they will in turn impact positively on the public and they will transform Nigeria.”

Okorie, however, expressed concern about what he observed as abuse of students’ rights in some private universities.

He said: “Every human being ought to have value for life and basic rights for livelihood.

“I think people should be matured not just narrow minded.

“The greatest thing that God created is human being and service to human being is the greatest service in life.

“An average student should live well and have necessary amenities for him or her to achieve the best.”

The chancellor stressed the need for better teaching and living condition for students of private and public schools in the country.

Okorie said one way of achieving this was for public and private proprietors to replicate international standards of boarding facilities across Nigerian schools.

He maintained that if supported by government, private universities would break through various spheres of life and industry.

NAN reports that Okorie was one of the 16 distinguished Nigerians honoured at the occasion.

The recipients of awards were Femi Falana (SAN), Maryam Uwais, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, General Theophilus Danjuma, Festus Okoye, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin and the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN).

Others were Dr. Emmanuel Okonkwo, Zaaki Azzay, Chino Obiagwu, Mike Omeri, Beni Lar, Senator Rabi’u Kwakwanso, Senator Umaru Dahiru and Senator Ita Enang.

NAN.