A Nigerian student from Bayelsa State, Perewari Pere, has stunned the academic world by emerging the best graduating student at the prestigious Lincoln University in the USA.
By this feat, Pere also takes the honour of rendering the Valedictory speech at the graduation ceremony to the admiration of fellow Nigerians and black students in the institution, bestowing honour on Nigeria and the African continent.
An excited governor of Bayelsa State, Mr Seriake Dickson, in a congratulatory message to the student, described him as a worthy ambassador of the state and urged him to keep the flag flying.
The governor also described the 21 students of the state origin studying at Lincoln University as worthy ambassadors, and pride to the state and their families.
He said that the 21 graduates had made the state proud, having successfully concluded their studies in flying colours and having been found worthy in character and learning.
The governor particularly expressed his delight over Perewari Pere, who graduated with First Class Honours, to emerge the overall best graduating student and named the University Valedictorian.
Pere’s brilliance has endeared him to the foremost ICT giant, Apple.
There were indications last week that Apple was considering employing the young Bayelsan. By Pere’s accomplishments, Governor Dickson believes he has carved a niche for himself and placed the name of Bayelsa in the global map of states with exceptional and unique academic endowments.
The governor noted that the exploits of the 21 students in the US were indications that the huge investment in government’s free/ compulsory education policy was beginning to yield dividends even outside the shores of the country.
Governor Dickson also used the opportunity to express his appreciation to the management of Lincoln University for their understanding and cooperation, despite the state’s inability to remit the needed school fees of the students, as and when due.
The governor, however, assured Lincoln University that, with $500, 000 already released to them, concerted efforts were being made to pay up the balance within the shortest possible time, adding that, the state government and the people of the state will remain eternally grateful to the authorities of Lincoln University.
