17 graduates of law from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt, have petitioned the State House of Assembly over the refusal of the authorities of the university to release their certificates 13 years after their graduation.
?They alleged that the authorities of the university had not deemed it fit to award them their certificates even after they had completed their studies as well as other graduation requirements since 1999.
?Speaking on the floor of the State House of Assembly, one of the petitioners, Mr. Okereke Gabriel John, said that he began his law programme in the institution in 1989 but could not complete the studies until 1999 due to incessant strikes by lecturers of the university.
?Okereke said, “I started the law programme with others in 1989 but could not finish in record time due to strikes by lecturers and non-lecturers of the university. We managed to complete the programme in 1999 after a horrifying 10 year period.
?“Look at me, I was 31 years old when I began the law programme in 1989, but I am 54 today. But I am yet to receive my law certificate. When will I receive it?”
He stated that no fewer than 13 members of the 1999 set, who went to court to challenge the non-release of their certificates, have received theirs while those who refused to go to court have not been given.
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