BREAKTHROUGH FOR BIAFRANS UNSTOPPABLE TILL BIAFRA IS RESTORED.

A Nigerian, Dickson Ndukwe Agbai has emerged the best student with the highest grade of doctorate degree in Bio-fuels from the Newcastle University, England.
Dickson, a native of Ugwueke Community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State was adjudged the best for the award of the doctorate degree following his outstanding thesis on: ‘Analysis of Biofuel Potential in Nigeria.’
A joint report of examiners endorsed by Dr. Paul Wilson of University of Nothingham and Dr. P. J. Dawson of Newcastle University testifying to Dickson’s outstanding performance reads: ‘That the candidate be admitted immediately to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.’ This is the very best and the topmost Ph.D viva/thesis examination grade based on the university’s grading system.
The report dated September 9, 2014 went on: ‘This thesis examines the potential of biofuel production in Nigerian using programming methods. Various scenarios are estimated and appropriate policy recommendations follow. It is an interesting and worthy piece of research which tackles a problem that is highly relevant to the Nigerian Government. Indeed, the Nigerian Government sponsored Mr. Dick’s scholarship in open competition. The method of analysis is appropriate and while not novel, the application is. The thesis is well-written and well-presented, and its structure is appropriate. It is of doctoral standard.
‘During the oral examination (of 2 hours 10 minutes), the candidate defended the thesis well. He demonstrated a thorough understanding of his work and he can place his research in the wider context of the literature. He understands and appreciates the advantages and disadvantages of the alternative methods and provided a convincing argument for that chosen. The policy recommendations, which should be helpful to the Nigerian Government in its development of a biofuel policy, follow from the results and the candidate understands their implications.’
The Dean of Postgraduate Studies of the university, Dr. Stuart Edwards was effusive in his commendation of Dickson’s performance. Dr. Edwards states in a letter dated September 12, 2014 thus: I am writing with reference to your recent examination towards the degree of Ph.D. I note that the examiners have given exceptional praise to your work and I would like to take this opportunity personally to congratulate you on your success. I would like to wish you all the best in your future.’
Dickson’s academic feat has also not gone unnoticed back home. A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Eco Empowerment & Sensitization Initiative (ECO-ESI), Aba, Abia State commended him for bringing honour to Nigeria.
A statement signed Dr. Bari Brown Malachi Elisha, secretary to ECO-ESI, noted that Dr. Agbai had through his academic feat ‘placed the Nigerian flag at the pinnacle of academic excellence in a highly-competitive global stage.’
The NGO expressed its profound gratitude to the Federal Government and the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) for their financial sponsorship and support to Dr. Dickson Ndukwe Agbai and other Nigerian scholars during their programmes.
‘Their unparalleled financial support/scholarship enabled Dr. Dickson Ndukwe Agbai to fully focus and commit his time to studies during his research programme at Newcastle University, England; thus enabling him to achieve this rare academic excellence at the highest academic (Ph.D) level,’ the NGO stated.
The ECO-ESI however seized the opportunity to appeal that Nigerian scholars who did the country proud through their outstanding academic feat be given a national honour and jobs on their return to the country.
Prior to his Ph.D Degree, Dickson holds a B.Sc. Degree in Agricultural Economics & Extension, with a Second Class (Honours) Upper Division, from Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO); and a Master’s Degree in Environmental and Resource Management (with ‘Merit’ or ‘Very Good’ grade according to German grading system) from Brandenburg Technical University [BTU ] cottbus Germany.