By Emmanuel Awari -Jalingo
College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Jalingo (COAST), held its 17th & 45th Combined Convocation Ceremony.
The ceremony started in grand style as dignitaries, graduands, families, staff, and well-wishers gather at the Convocation Square to celebrate this remarkable milestone.
Speaking, the Rector of the College, Dr. Yakubu Ali 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 Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas, represented by the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Kizito Bonzena, alongside other distinguished Members of the State House of Assembly, challenge 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 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.
Present at the ceremony 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; Chairmen of Local Government Councils; Traditional Rulers, including the Lamdo Gashaka; Permanent Secretaries; Special Advisers; Heads of Boards and Parastatals; Academic and administrative staff and families of the graduands.
Delivering a Convocation lecture,
Prof. delivered an insightful lecture on retirement planning, emphasizing the importance of preparing for life after active service.
He particularly encouraged the graduating students and other members of the audience to embrace entrepreneurship before retirement.
He stressed that relying solely on a salary or pension may not provide sufficient financial security after retirement. Instead, individuals should begin developing businesses, investments, and other sustainable sources of income while they are still actively employed.
Prof. noted that entrepreneurship should not be viewed only as a means of making money, but also as a pathway to financial independence, job creation, and a more fulfilling life after retirement.
He urged the audience to start small, acquire relevant skills, save wisely, and invest strategically.
His message was clear: retirement should be a transition to another productive chapter of life, not the beginning of financial hardship.
Preparing early through entrepreneurship and sound financial planning is therefore essential for a secure and dignified retirement.
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 28 years.
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.