By Chinyere Anyanwu
Babcock University (BU), Ilisan Remo, Ogun State, recently graduated 2,482 students at its 11th convocation, posting a record 110 first class. The best graduate obtained 4.91 cumulative grade point average (CGPA). The best graduating students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels got the Senior Vice President’s prize.
The overall best graduate student, who scored 4.91 CGPA was Idowu Khadijat Damilola of the Social Work Department, while at the postgraduate level, Oloyede Busola Loveall graduated with Master of Public Health with 4.74 CGPA and Ayeni Kolawole Ifeoluwa came out with Doctor of Philosophy: Microbiology with 4.73 CGPA.
In his address at the eight-day ceremony, the vice-chancellor of BU, Prof. Ademola Tayo, disclosed that the institution recorded the highest number of postgraduate students, with 159 Ph.Ds, 312 master’s and master of philosophy graduates, making it a total of 471, while it graduated 2,011 undergraduates.
According to the VC, the graduates were awarded various degrees and prizes, having been found worthy in character and learning.
The VC tasked them: “Face the future with the assurance of making positive impact nationally and globally. I have no doubt about you capability to achieve this feat as you have been academically, spiritually and morally equipped to hit the ground running and be successful in life.
“I plead that you present yourselves to the world at large as precious individuals destined to rule the world and bring about positive change in this unpredictable and conflict-laden world.”
He also charged them to, “always remember to care for your parents who toiled day and night to ensure your success in this institution.
Ensure you play an active role in supporting your Alma Mata by uniting with other alumni to contribute to the development of this institution.”
In his commencement address, Mr. John Olajide, Chief Executive Officer of Axxess, who noted that Africa was “leapfrogging technology for the development of the world” and that Nigeria needs more of job creators.
He encouraged the graduates to dream of a greater future and to pay the price to make the world a better place.
Olajide advised that, “whatever challenges and hardships you experience, maintain handwork and faith in God and you will overcome. The future of this nation is bright because it rests in your hands. Believe in yourselves, believe that everything is possible.”
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, who was represented by Prof. A. U. Akanola, said the impressive growth being recorded by BU is the result of the handwork and commitment of its stakeholders.
He explained that the government was committed to finding lasting solutions to the lingering challenge of constant industrial actions facing the country’s public universities, assuring it would soon be a thing of the past.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the Pro-Chancellor of BU, Pastor Y. U. Harry, said the ceremony “could be likened to harvests of human capital with premium values,” urging the graduates to keep challenging themselves to be the best they could be.
He said, “you have been moulded with intellectual strength, focus and willpower, reflecting the knowledge, truth and service Babcock University is known and stands for. As you navigate your future career, bear in mind that focus rather than speed, will take you to your desired destinations.”