The Nation Newspaper

Tag: graduation

  • Nursery graduation necessary’

    Graduation period is a time parents have to invest in new outfits for their wards in terminal classes in primary and secondary schools.

    However, they moan about the cost, especially when it involves graduation from pre-school to nursery, and nursery to primary. But Mrs Morenike Adepoju, Director of Learning Gate Schools, Ilupeju, Lagos said the transition from nursery to primary is a big deal.

    In an interview with The Nation at the school’s graduation for 18 Primary Five and 16 Nursery Two pupils, Adepoju said: “I think when a child has spent almost three to four years playing and moves to primary section, it is a significant milestone. It is quite necessary that parents encourage and support them.

    “Before, they played a lot. They read by picture reading. Now they will read letters, words and construct sentences. It is a different ball game. It shows they have grown and matured.”

    Adepoju counselled parents to make worthwhile investments in their children’s education.

    “I want to encourage all of us that there is no amount of money that is too much to spend on our children’s education. If God has given it to us, then we should do it,” she said.

    The school’s PTA chairman, Mr Olukayode Fasoyiro, said he was confident that the children would have a smooth transition to their new classes at the beginning of the new session.

    “Yes, they are really prepared for the next level. They have given them a lot of qualitative education, moral education and extra-curricular activities. You can see the way they are building them up all round,” he said.

    As a way of supporting the school, Fasoyiro said parents were completing the library and improving the play area.

     

  • Colour at school’s 10th graduation

    Colour at school’s 10th graduation

    It was fun galore for the pupils, management and workers of Stella Maris Schools, Abuja, when the school held its 10th graduation. But to some, particularly those graduating, it was the start of a long miss  they will experience leaving the school.

    Some out of 147 graduands dressed in purple and elegant graduation gowns, wore long faces.

    Principal of the school, Chukwuemeka Anyaene, said graduation was a take-off point for the school to relaunch itself across various fields.

    He said Stella Maris was committed to make it the destination for more international students, who wish to combine the Nigerian education and British, American curricular.

    He lauded parents for believing in the school.

    According to him, the late founder, Mrs. Uche Anyaene, headed 17 schools in the FCT, adding that the school was a feeder to many tertiary institutions.

    Chiamaka Isigwe emerged best overall pupil and also doubled as the best in Art. Osubor Dorothy is the best pupil in Social Science while Princess Chigozie Chioke emerged the best in the Sciences.

    Musa Frederick, who gave a valedictory speech on behalf of the graduating students, praised teachers for the discipline and training instilled on them.

    “This occasion, I must say, is a painful pleasure in the sense that these beautiful faces I have been seeing up till today, I may no longer see on a daily basis. When the news of the ceremony came to me, I welcomed it with joy, but when I was told that I am a valedictorian, I asked myself these questions, which have remained unanswered: “Who will redirect our footsteps right when we derail? Who will insist that discipline must be maintained at all times? Who will sanction us to pack pieces of firewood for misconduct?

    “These six years of learning, training, education and character formation have not been easy though, but we are now through with joy, thanks and praises. Without you, it would not have been possible. Thanks a million times,” he added.

    Isigwe, who hopes to be a lawyer, attributed her success to God, hardwork and commitment to studies.

     

  • Fiona Amuzie prepares for graduation

    Fiona Amuzie prepares for graduation

    The Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2010, Fiona Amuzie, is currently rounding up her studies at the Coventry University, United Kingdom. Her pet project is tackling the trafficking of persons and child-labour, she gained admission to study Psychology shortly after her reign in 2010.

  • Don advises dental surgeons at graduation

    Don advises dental surgeons at graduation

    When former Nigerian President, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe founded the University of Nigeria Nsukka in 1960, his dream was to establish a citadel of learning and research in a bid to halt the exodus of Nigerians to foreign countries in search of the Golden Fleece.

    To achieve that desire of excellence, he recruited the best of academic and non- academic staff from parts of Europe to lay a solid foundation for a university that could compare favourably with any around the globe.

    It was in pursuance of this noble objective that the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry of the institution, Dr. Linda Oge Okoye, restated her determination to make the faculty the best dental training centre in the world.

    Speaking during the third induction ceremony of dental surgeons of the University of Nigeria Nsukka at the faculty’s main hall of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Dr. Linda Okoye said in order to keep the dreams of the founding fathers alive, management had not only increased their training capacity but has also provided an atmosphere conducive enough to teaching and learning.

    She noted that since the accreditation of the faculty programme in 2004, efforts had been made to equip it with the state-of-the-art facilities, while experienced academic and non-academic staff had been recruited to elevate the status of the school to international standard.

    She also added that their collaborative linkage educational programme with the University of British Columbia had yielded great dividends, with more than five dental surgeons from UNN benefiting from the scheme.

    Despite the feat achieved by the faculty, the Dean, fondly addressed as the doyen of Dentistry in Africa by professional colleagues of hers, stated that more was still needed to truly place UNN as a centre of excellence for dental training on the continent.

    “Since dentistry is an expensive profession, we therefore enjoin all stakeholders, government and corporate bodies in Nigeria to support the dream of the only Faculty of Dentistry in the entire Eastern Nigeria with more funding. Just as an adage says if you want to go fast, go alone, but if you want to go far, go together. To the alumni, there is strength in unity.

    We have capacity to make this school the best in the world, if we can come together,” she said.

    To the graduating young dental surgeons, the Dean challenged them to exhibit those rare qualities that distinguish them from other surgeons, adding that “it takes a lot of hard work, discipline and patience to earn a Bachelor of Dental Surgery Degree of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. These are the same virtues you need to succeed in life”.

    She said:  “I have no doubt therefore, that you have what it takes to excel and succeed in life. You are today licensed to practice your profession with dignity to the service of God and humanity. My personal expectation and wish for you all is that the licenses you receive today should enable you to stand out in the dental profession, both in Nigeria and elsewhere.”

    Administering the oath of allegiance on behalf of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, the outgoing Provost of the College of Medicine of the University of Nigeria, Prof. Basden Onwubere, under whose tenure the Faculty of Dentistry blossomed, urged the graduates to shun the get-rich-quick syndrome of society and aim for excellence and discharge their duties creditably, even as he reminded them of the need to be of great assistance to their alma mater at all times.

    Onwubere, who won the Africa’s best provost award by African Medical Students last year, observed that following the impressive performance of graduates of dentistry from UNN in the field at the local and international scenes since 2004, the Faculty of Dentistry of the university had come to stay.

    He said the university Senate had recently praised the College of Medicine team for the performance of dental surgeons from UNN and also praised the efforts of the Dean, the academic and non-academic staff of the faculty for this feat. He expressed his hope that the effort would be sustained.

    The Provost, who also represented the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chukwuma Ozumba, on the occasion, announced that the college had concluded arrangement to build a shopping mall, bank and a centre of excellence for staff and students within the college premises, while the ultra-modern medical library under construction would be completed within the next one year to boost learning and research.

    In a valedictory speech, the best graduating student of the class of 2013, Faculty of Dentistry, Dr. Obinna Franklin Eboh, called for the establishment of the Department of Dentistry at health centres in all rural communities of the country. He regretted that despite the importance of oral healthcare, government was not doing enough, as most Nigerians know little or nothing about oral health.

    Dr. Eboh expressed joy that a journey that started seven years ago, had been blessed with success, even as he thanked the lecturers and their parents for their support.

    Earlier in a lecture to mark the occasion, chairman of the Nigerian Dental Association, Enugu State branch, Dr. Felix Chukwuneke, emphasised the need for the graduating students to maintain ethics in the discharge of their medical practice, stressing that the duty of care should be paramount in the relationship between the clinician and patients.

    Dr. Chukwuneke, a union leader and one of the pioneers of the faculty, enjoined the graduates to make a difference in a positive way in the medical profession, as that is what they owe the present and future generations of Nigerians.

    He admonished them: “As you go into the world of dental practice, you should always remember the “Hippocratic oath” which you took before all the dignitaries, your senior colleagues and your parents here today.”

    Two of the eight graduates, Dr. Obinna Eboh and Dr. Martins Chibuike received all the four prizes available in child dental health, preventive dentistry, restorative dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

    Two former Deputy Vice-Chancellors of the Enugu Campus of the university, Prof. Bede Ibe and Prof. Sam Ohaegbulam as well as the former Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Etisiobi Ndiokwelu, were among top academics that attended the event.

  • Muson graduation concert excites music buffs

    Muson graduation concert excites music buffs

    It was a night of musical renditions as the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), Monday, held the 7th graduation concert of the MTN Foundation scholars, with thrilling live performances by the graduating students.

    Opening the performances for the night was Nonso Diali with the inspirational song Smile. Following Nomnso’s performance was Uwana Etuk, who rendered the classic piece Halleluya with his trumpet. Other performers at the concert include Lydia Adeshina, Andrew Udeh, Dele Olutade, Tomisin Akinda, Tolu Onakpoya, Efe Dojeh, Edith Okoli, Babatunde Odufoye, Timothy Ogunbyi, Goodness Onuoha as well as Paul Irabor.

    While the concert had a high dose of violin, piano, saxophone and trumpets backing the various sonorous voices, Tolu Onakpoya gave a different blend with his performance of Tete Wa Ba Mi Se. Bordering between spoken word and poetry, the performance had guests cheering.

    Adding spice to the event was Praiz who made an appearance as a surprise guest. The MTN ambassador and 2nd runner up of the 2008 edition of MTN Project Fame had some words of advice for the graduating students. Praiz advised the students to always keep their head up, be focused and dedicated in their pursuits and above all, to do away with pride as it has led to the downfall of most artistes.

    Adding a tinge of humour to the performances for the night was Lydia Adeshina with her rendition of Doll Aria adapted from Offenbach’s Opera, TheTales of Hoffman. The petite performer, almost flawlessly put up a robotic recital, one which guests, at first hand didn’t quite grasp. It was until she broke down and had to be rewound by the accompanying pianist before guests got the hang of it.

  • Rite of graduation

    Rite of graduation

    Final year students of the Delta State University (DELSU) could not hide their joy last week after they finished their examination. There was excitement on the campuses as students performed the graduation rite on their outgoing colleagues. ESE OKODUWA (300-Level Home Economics Education) reports.

    They came out of the examination halls excited. Clad in different shades of uniform purposely sewn for their final day on campus, the graduating students hugged and shook hands to congratulate themselves for seeing the end of their academic battle.

    As they came out of the examination halls, they were ‘ambushed’ by a crowd of their junior colleagues waiting outside with bowls of water and all sorts of liquid. They were there to perform the rite of graduation on the outgoing students. It is called “final baptism”.

    That was the scene last week at the Delta State University (DELSU), in Abraka, when graduating students finished their final examination. Champagne and other exotic wines were popped intermittently. Some danced round the campus to announce their passage, others engaged in an orgy of ‘baptism’, splashing their colleagues with all kinds of liquid.

    Students barricaded all exits of examination venues as some of the graduating students had the intention of avoiding being ‘baptised’. It was a boom for sachet water traders, who positioned themselves around the examination venues with their bags of sachet water to sell to the roisterers for the ‘baptism’.

    The ambushed students were asked to kneel down for the baptism rite. Those who obeyed instructions were given quiet ‘baptism’, but some who tried to rebuff the rite, were baptised against their wishes. It did not matter if the baptisers know the targeted students; everyone derived pleasure in sprinkling water on whoever was graduating from the university.

    From Abraka to Oleh campuses, the story was the same. Students with buckets of water moved round to give their outgoing colleagues the final rite. Some students, who were probably drunk, engaged in rough driving on campus.

    However, when the celebration was going wild, the management immediately stopped the wild celebration, with a warning that any student caught would face Students’ Disciplinary Committee.

    This, however, did not deter students from performing the baptism as they moved outside the school to continue what they called “double portion” of baptism.

    Some of them, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, expressed happiness for completing their first degree.

    The only graduating female student in the department of Mechanical and Production Engineering, Promise Osazuwa said the day marked the end of her academic trial. She said: “In the past five years, I have had to behave and think like a man. People often called me a man and asked me why I chose to study Mechanical Engineering, but I derive satisfaction studying the course. I believe I fit into the profession easily. My course mates have been wonderful; they treated me courteously and respected without considering my gender.”

    A graduating student of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Festus Okpotu, said he was happy to be leaving the school, because he would have time to engage in activities in which he derives satisfaction. He said: “I am happy to be free to play football and relax very well without the pressure of assignments and readings. No more ‘draw a five-bed room duplex and show all the elevations clearly’. I am now free.”

    Another student from the Department of Botany, Promise Ronald, said he was happy to be graduating from the school after years of intensive studies. “I have come a long way, from the days of pre-degree to graduation. I witnessed strike actions and encounter illnesses that almost prevented me from getting degree certificate. I thank God that I am now a graduate,” he said.

    While some of the graduating students derived pleasure from being poured water, others detested it with passion. This was the case with Abraham Ahiakwo, a graduating student of the Department of Chemical Engineering, who evaded being splashed with water as he was coming out of the examination hall.

    He thought it was all over when he escaped being ‘baptised’ on campus. However, Abraham was surprises when junior colleagues visited his hostel and performed the ‘baptism’ when he was on his bed in his hostel. He fumed but there was nothing he could do to help the situation.

    Most of the graduating students advised their junior colleagues to take their students seriously, saying it was the only way to achieve success.

  • Golden alumni celebrate 50 years of graduation

    Golden alumni celebrate 50 years of graduation

    It was a lovely reunion for 30 alumni of St. Luke’s Teachers College, now St. Luke’s College, Ibadan who returned to their alma mata, 50 years after graduation. TAYO JOHNSON was there

    Tales of student’s liberation, famous classmates, slangs, nicknames and mischievous antics echoed around the college hall, as St. Luke College welcomed back more than 30 alumni for the Golden Alumni celebration.

    Old friendships and connections were rekindled, as classmates who had not met for over 50 years sat down to lunch.

    The statistics of the set called Lukan ’66 shows that 60 students graduated from the school in 1964, 44 are still alive, while 17 of them are dead.

    The celebration started around 10:15am with a thanksgiving service at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Molete, by the priest, Ven. Joseph Alamu.

    In his sermon entitled: ‘be thankful’, Alamu congratulated the old students for having the grace of God to be alive, adding that the Lord had sent them to the school for a purpose.

    “The Lord directed you to choose this college 50years ago because He has a plan for your life, so no matter what you have become today this is your foundation. You should be a blessing to others and this college,” he said.

    Alamu, who canvassed for teacher education which has been eradicated at the college, noted that it has done a lot of damage to the educational sector.

    He also condemned the ongoing plan by some people to change the college name to St. Luke Grammar School, warning that if this was done, they will incur the wrath of God.

    The cleric went on that: ”As old students, let us join our hands together to move this college forward because this is your alma mata. You must move nearer to the college and look for ways to improve its status.”

    Afterwards, prayers were also said for the family members of the deceased old boys.

    Exactly 12:15pm, the Lukans ’66 moved to the hall for the reception which was kicked-up with a welcome address by the president of the set, Mr Peter Osiyelu.

    Osiyelu thanked those that have constantly stood by the association since inception spending their time and money.

    “I implore other members who are not participating as it is expected of them to make up and join hands to rebuild Saint Luke’s College. An adage says “United we stand, divided we fall.” We shall not fall by the grace of God.

    “I thank God Almighty that we have achieved much because this college had produced great people like Bishops, Lawyers, Professors, Engineers, Venerable, Business Tycoons among others” the president explained.

    Osiyelu expressed his appreciation to their former principals and tutors who never gave up in remoulding their lives to what they are today.

    Encouraging the Lukan ‘66 members, he urged them to contribute generously to the development of the college, adding, “this is your alma mata.”

    In his presentation, the Senior Prefect of Lukan ’66, Eng Adejare Amoo, who started his speech with a thanksgiving song said, in 1964, only 64 student where admitted and divided equally into science and arts classes with the aim to train them as Grade II teachers over the period of three years.

    According to him, discipline was the order of the training, which resulted in two students being dismissed while two elderly students withdrew in the first year.

    “60 students graduated. Employment was guaranteed. We were posted to various schools all over the then western Nigeria. 17 members of our set have gone in advance to meet our creator, may their souls rest in perfect peace. Self discipline, hardwork, guided and guarded ambition, useful and responsible citizenship, high moral standard, camaraderie and fear of God were instilled in us.

    “We have 27 university graduates, four professors, 1 engineer, one councillor, seven pastoral calls and four traditional chiefs. We are already sourcing local and international donour organisations to assist in equipping the ongoing digital library with ICT tools being constructed within the school,” he said.

    On the challenges confronting the association, Amoo highlighted poor participation of members at meetings and future succession of the association.

    He observed that the set has dispersed into the world and educated the masses over the period of about five decades, adding that they have positively impacted the communities where they are working, based on the training and education endowed in their lives at St. Luke’s College.

    In his recommendation, the Senior Prefect of Lukan ’66 said: ”Challenges facing the national education development need to be promptly addressed, with recognition and adoption of technology as the most important tool for the required accelerated mass quality education development in Nigeria.

    He also called for the overhaul of the curriculum to meet the world standard and national requirements, urging that all the stakeholders should be active participants in the nation’s education transformation.

  • Longing for graduation

    Ugochukwu Mbama gained admission into the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) in 2004 to study Environmental Engineering, which has a duration of five years. He graduated six years after.

    The delay was due to the industrial action embarked on by different unions of staff in the universities. In 2011, Ugochukwu was mobilised for national youth service.

    After scaling through the stringent admission process, including a test at the University of Ibadan (UI), Ugochukwu is pursuing a Master’s degree at the premier university. The duration of the programme is 18 months but with the ongoing strike by members of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), his graduation has been extended by three months.

    Like Ugochukwu, there are many post-graduate students in public universities, whose programmes’ periods have been extended due to the incessant strike by the university lecturers. The action disrupts academic calendar and renders useless the efforts of the Master’s students, who may go through pain of restarting their research works.

    On July 1, the ASUU embarked on strike following the failure of the Federal Government to implement 2009 agreement it reached with the lecturers’ union to improve quality of education and research.

    Even as they bemoan the ongoing strike, some post-graduate students believed that ASUU’s demands were in order and could go a long way in putting the nation’s education system in consonance with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) recommendation.

    Stanley Ibeku, a post-graduate student of the Africa Regional Centre for Information Science, UI, said the strike is worth it if the aim is to revitalise the education sector. He urged the government to stop playing politics with education. He said: “Nations must invest in education to adapt to the rapidly changing world. Today, what we have in the country are decaying campuses. Students are forced to study in harsh, unfavourable environments with poor facilities and lack of vital tools needed for advancement of research and development.”

    Emmanuel Umukoro, another Master’s student at UI, said Nigeria’s leaders had been the cog in the wheel of the country’s progress. He charged the National Assembly to enact a law that would bar all political office holders from sending their children abroad for university education. According to him, “this will make the leaders to respond quickly whenever the ASUU chooses to go on strikes”.

    The government should urgently find lasting solution to the incessant strike, Henry Akanegbu, a post-graduate student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) said. “Time is of the essence; I don’t wish to stay beyond the stipulated time for my programme. The strike is a terrible setback because postgraduate studies are research-oriented. It is quite unfortunate that most researches are now becoming outdated due to the strike. This is not the best for Nigeria as a developing country, as many economic and technological breakthroughs usually come from researches. The government should demonstrate political will towards the implementation of the agreements. ASUU, on the other hand, should know that to whom much is given, much is expected. Nigerians will surely demand a serious commitment to duty from the lecturers and drastic improvement of our university education,” he enthused.

    Olawale Badmus is frustrated by the strike. He complained that his parents were “tired” of his prolonged programme in university. Olawale, who marked his 29th birthday last Monday, said his father sent him a message reminding him that he had spent beyond expected time to get a Master’s.

     

     

  • Students hold graduation party

    The Department of Political Science of the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education (AIFCE) Owerri, has held its graduation party at the Social Science Hall of the institution.

    Guests at the event include Emmanuel Emeana, a Special Assistant to Hon Ezenwa Onyewuchi, representing Owerri Federal Constituency; Head of Department, Mr. Roland Echebiri,

    Others are Mrs Chibuzo Obua, a representative of Edmark, a Supplements Company Prof Batchason Mgbachi, Dr Opurum Innocent, Dr Cornel Udumaga, and lecturers of the department.

    chairman of the ocassion, Emeana, admonished the graduands to be good ambassadors of their institution. He advised them to work hard and strive for excellence at all times.

    Mr Echebiri charged the graduands to be the agent of change in the society. He said: “I want you to be of good behavior. You must strive to distinguish yourselves among your peers.”

    Mrs Chibuzo urged the graduands to embrace entrepreneurship as the best way to avoid unemployment that is prevalent in the country.

    During the ceremony, awards were presented to deserving persons.

    Some of the graduands, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, expressed their joy. One of them, Okafor Amarachi, said: “I’m very excited today. It was a long walk for me.” Another graduand, Ibe Chima, expressed his joy saying, “To become a graduate of political science requires a lot of hard work. Interestingly, today marks the beginning of my academic success in life. I’m very happy about it.”

  • ‘Be spiritual’

    The Immanuel College of Theology and Christian Education, Ibadan has graduated 75 students.

    Speaking at the event at Samonda, Ibadan, Oyo State, the Dean of the college, Ven Benjamin Adedapo, urged the graduates to ensure their training goes beyond paper qualification to being spiritual.

    “Be informed that there are many clergyman in the field today who only acquired chains of degree without corresponding spiritual and moral condiment to back up their claims,” Adedapo said.

    The cleric urged the graduates to remember their roots, accord dignity and respect to superiors and shun any form of atrocities that may discredit the church.

    Of the 75 students who took part in the three-year programme, Adedapo said seven graduated with the Upper Credit; 22, Lower Credit; 36, Merit; seven, Pass; while three had certificate in Theology and one failed.