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Tag: University of Lagos

  • Sweet Sensation to launch skill acquisition centre

    Sweet Sensation has announced plans to launch the Sweet Sensation Vanguard Team, an initiative that transcends beyond quick food services.

    Lady Kehinde Kamson, Managing Director and chief executive officer, said the initiative is the company’s corporate and skill training programme unit for undergraduates “who are able to demonstrate high passion for culinary skills and entrepreneurial qualities.”

    Speaking during the Management Students’ Alumni Dinner/Award Night organized by the Management Students’ Association, University of Lagos, Kamson said the scheme will avail selected undergraduates the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of vision, leadership, corporate business and entrepreneurship. She said the full details of the launch of the first of its kind scheme will be made public soon.

    Read Also: Sweet Sensation rewards Customers with Easter Gifts

    Kamson, who received the Alumni Entrepreneurial Achievement Award at the occasion, enjoined all students to be persistent in all that is good, knowledgeable and required in pursuance of their education with a vision to excel.

    “On this day and every day, I am more grateful to God and appreciative of the immense contributions of the University of Lagos and the Accounting Department to my success story,” she said.

    The management said Kamson received the award as a mark of recognition for her selfless services and giant strides in the Quick Services Restaurant business. The event was an avenue for mentorship to the teeming youths, especially the students and for network and connection to the Alumni members and other dignities.

    On her part, Kemi Adewole-Ojo, special board assignee, Sweet Sensation, reiterated the company’s commitment to grow a leading brand in the Nigerian Quick Service Restaurant. She said the company is ready to offer a vista of quality meal products and services to the brand’s esteemed customers, while striving to enhance the life of every Nigerian through affordable healthy range of meals.

  • Colloquium charts way forward for African Educational Sector

    Increased attention to matters of theory and curriculum, policy implementation and inclusiveness have been canvassed as some of the adjustments that need to be made if the Nigerian and African educational system is to deliver greater value for the benefit of all.

    Other areas of improvement have to do with infrastructure, skills acquisition, the focus on certification and poor attention to library development and the effective development of a reading culture.

    This is the view of a  panel of education sector practitioners, activists and observers who met in Lagos on Thursday at the instance of the pan-African newspaper, The Difference Newspaper to discuss the theme, ‘Rethinking African Education: Redressing foundational deficiencies,’ ,

    They have therefore tasked the governments and peoples of Africa to urgently take steps to institute reform measures that would improve the educational fortunes of the continent.

    Though they came at the subject from their different perspectives, however the consensus at the end of the day was that a lot has to be done in the area of education reform on the continent to ensure that Africans get increased benefits from education.

    Read Also: Sterling promotes educational sector

    Members of the panel were Professor Ngozi Osarenren of the Faculty of Education, University of Lagos, Professor Biko Agozino of Virginia Tech, USA, Mr. Ola Opesan of Meadow Hall School, Lekki, Lagos, Uri Ngozichukwuka of EDWIIN, Oluwole Olusanya of Sterling Bank and Raphael James of the CRIMMD Free Public Library, Idimu, Lagos.

    Among other views raised by him, Agozino called attention to the paradoxical situation of a continent that was inadvertently supplying the west and the ‘developed world’ with ‘foreign aid’ in the mould of educators, doctors and other highly trained professionals; arguing that though this situation was an unsavory one, it still has to be acknowledged for what it is.

    In her contribution, Professor Osarenren noted that ‘whether we like it or not,. education is our life and we must therefore pay it maximum attention.’

    Continuing the former Edo State Commissioner for Education emphasised that ‘what matters is the implementation of policies.’ According to her, though there were a number of educational policies already tabulated, the will was largely still missing to ensure that they were implemented.

    The session was moderated by the Head of the Department of English of the University of Lagos, Professor Hope Eghagha.

    In addition to hosting the event as the 3rd edition of its Annual Africa Day Colloquium, The Difference Newspaper also introduced the Vol. 2, No. 2 edition of its quarterly Africa Day Journal at the event. The journal is edited by its series editor, Professor Biko Agozino of Virginia Tech, USA and contributors include the motion picture icon, Elimihe Osezuah and Professor Abiodun Adesegun, Head, Department of History and International Studies, Babcock University, Ilisan, Ogun State.

  • Anele tasks FG to invest in education, job creation

    A Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos  Professor Douglas Anele has advised the federal government to invest more in education, job creation and every aspect that will make the youths excel in Nigeria.

    Anene said this at the Mental Wellness conference and book launch on  Unbroken channeling the power of the mind organized by John Shaibu Consulting held in Lagos.

    He said that the future of this country does not lies in crude oil, exploring mineral resources but in motivating the youths so that they can unleash their creative potentials and they will never be the same again.

    The event tagged “Youth Staying Unbroken; Thriving in the Nigeria economy” brought together top executives, civil society groups students from 18 universities across the country.

    The book has 270 pages and seven chapter which cut across leadership, self development and good governance.

    He said that it is lamentable that successive administration have not paid so much attention in mobilizing youths for economic and social transformation.

    “Our politicians are busy chasing shadows acquiring wealth they do not need and Nigerian youths are left to feed for themselves.”

    Anele noted the moral ecological compass of Nigeria is highly polluted especially those in leadership position as cutting corners, and nepotism have characterize the system.

    He opined that Nigeria youths are hardworking, ingenuous, resilience and are willing to defy the odds to succeed but need the right support systems to fly.

    Read Also: ‘Contribute to educational growth’

    “We waste time and materials resources on frivolities when the real thing is in our hands. Many of the developed nations have few mineral resources and are even besiege from time to time with natural disaster but have been able to galvanized the interest, hope and aspiration of their youths toward development”, he said.

    Anele posited that the developmental challenge facing Nigeria with its attendance consequences of youth restiveness, thuggery and all forms of criminality will be reduced if we invest in the youths, who remain the positive human capital that will aid positive social transformation.

    He implored the youths to ignore the negatives they are getting from government and see what we can do with their lives and the society at large.

    In his words, the convener of the conference, John Shaibu said that the book is set out to guide and provide support tools for young people on mental. Health, skill acquisition, career support, counseling and identity definition.

    He said that the decision taken by young people are often times are from within and the need to filed their minds with good thoughts on personal growth, taken responsibility. and acquiring requisite skills for greater productivity is important.

  • Higher degrees not impacting lives in Nigeria – ASUU chair

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) said the craze for the acquisition of higher degrees in the country had not impacted enough on national growth and transformation.

    The chairman of the University of Lagos chapter of the union, Dr Dele Ashiru, made the assertion in an interview with our reporters on Saturday in Lagos.

    According to him, the craze for higher degrees such as Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and others has not had any significant impact on the needs of the society.

    He said rather than go after higher degrees; Nigerians should venture into technical and vocational studies for skills acquisition that would directly impact lives.

    “Yes, it is desirable for the system to produce holders of higher degrees, especially PhDs, but PhDs for what?

    Read Also: Ex-ASUU president, Awuzie joins Imo senate race

    “I think we should refocus and restructure our education system so that it will be more relevant to our society rather than award higher degrees.

    “Come to think of it, all the people that have acquired PhDs in Nigeria, let us carry out a forensic audit of what they are giving back to the society.

    “Most people are running after the acquisition of these degrees for selfish motives. They feel for instance, that it is a requisite for their progression in life or a ticket for fulfilled life,” he said.

    He added that, regrettably, such development was only peculiar to a country like Nigeria.

    Ashiru noted that the way out was to pump enough funds into the vocational and technical education as well as meaningful research for socio-economic and political development.

    He said successful Nigerians who had acquired wealth legitimately or otherwise should pump part of such money into the education system.

    “Government should also plough back all retrieved monies acquired by individuals through illegal means to the education sector.

    “It it time for us to re-engineer, refocus and restructure the system.

    “We must start our quest for accelerated national transformation with our education system, because no society can rise beyond the level of its education system,” the unionist said.

    According to him, development is a concerted effort and only the people can develop themselves.

    NAN

  • Don warns Nigerians to avoid repeat of Biafra

    A university lecturer, Prof. Hope Eghagha, on Wednesday warned that Nigeria should avoid tendencies that would escalate to another war after the bitter experience of the Biafra civil war.

    Eghagha made the plea while reviewing a book, “The Nigerian Civil War, 50 Years After… Reflections of A Younger Generation’’ during the launch of the book.

    He told Nigerians to shun propaganda and hate speeches, to prevent a re-occurrence of the events that led to the war in 1967.

    Information reaching us has it that analysts have often described the Biafra civil war as the deadliest of its type in Africa, having taken the lives of more than two million people.

    Citing the Rwandan genocide, Eghagha, a lecturer at the University of Lagos, said: “Propaganda breeds hate, the civil war was not a pleasant experience as codes of interpersonal behaviour were suspended.

    “Anyone who has gone through a war cannot hope for another, a child that goes through a war loses his childhood.

    “We should not promote the ideology of war by narrative or default.

    Read Also: Biafra: Buhari hails Gowon for restraining troops

    “From the refugee crisis being experienced internationally, the world cannot afford a war in Nigeria,” he said.

    Eghagha praised the authors of the book, saying that they did an excellent job in bringing to light narratives from the civil war as well as the reconciliation efforts of subsequent regimes.

    The Chairman of the occasion, Mr Chris Ogiemwonyi, described the book as a proof that combat should never be an option to settling national differences.

    “There is a Bini proverb which literally translated means ‘war is never beautiful.’ For those asking for war or the country’s separation, they should bear that proverb in mind.

    “We should never pray for war no matter how hard the discussion will be.”

    Giving insight into the book, Ogiemwonyi, an engineer, said the book was an assemblage of facts from the war.

    “We have read various accounts of the Nigerian civil war from warlords, politicians and eye-witnesses.

    “This account is a compilation of facts as witnessed by victims, who saw part of the war.

    “I will equally like to corroborate the facts as I also witnessed the civil war as a form three student in 1967.

    “The book mentioned a time in Nigeria where tribalism was not an issue. However, with successive coups and the civil war, things started falling apart.

    “The Nigerian civil war brought various hardships to the country,” Ogiemwonyi said.

    The book was written by Ebho Abure and Agbose Akinwole.

    In a remark, Abure urged Nigerians to read the book and give their feedback, saying that the objective of the book was to create a better union in Nigeria.

     

    NAN

  • UNILAG VC to Corona pupils: be focused

    Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe has advised graduating pupils of Corona Secondary School in Agbara Ogun State to be focused.

    At the valedictory ceremony for Class of 2018, the trio of Oluwakorede Akande, Salutorian Stephanie Agana and Omobolanle Alashe, were the cynosure as they walked tall among their peers due to their academic performance.

    Prof Ogundipe urged the pupils to be managers of their minds, saying “while distractions may be an impediment to realise one’s potential, they should be focused and shouldn’t allow happenings around them to affect their goals”.

    Speaking on the topic “Nothing but the best”, the scholar attributed the sterling performance and successes recorded by the pupils to perseverance, determination, and commitment to learning.

    Success, he said, is about having a positive impact in your environment. He admonished the pupils to surround themselves with good people.

    He said: “Learn to take small steps and embrace the challenge. You must know that setback would come, but use the stumbling stones to move to the next level.

    “Speak positive things concerning your life, learn to implement ideas coming to your mind, know your purpose and nurse it, start thinking about your career whether you want to be a doctor, engineer, academic etc. Also, increase your level of awareness and exposure, be willing to break new grounds, and learn to take risks.”

    To achieve greater success, Prof Ogundipe said they must leave their comfort zone and make a decision to be solution providers.

    Highlighting what makes great men unique, Ogundipe said “people often say ‘think outside the box’, but when there is no box, you think wider and this makes you a unique being. “Be dedicated to whatever you are doing, practice as much as you can and have mental preparation.  Also, it is important to decide on your success goal, don’t look at others and don’t run another person’s race,”he said.

    The Vice-Chancellor advised the pupils to learn from their mistakes and never give up in life even when they fail or fall.

    “Examine other people’s success and keep on learning because the journey is still very far. Don’t act alone, believe in yourself so that you can fulfill your goal,” he said.

    The school principal, Mrs. Chinedum Oluwadamilola in her speech entitled: “The best is in you”, said she is elated at the amazing accomplishments of the Class of 2018.

    She said: “They gave us an inkling of what to expect by smashing the Standardised Aptitude Test (SAT) last December and went on to give us the best in International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) result in the school to date, where some of them made A*s in all the subjects they wrote. The Class of 2018 ‘humiliated’ Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) with 10pupils scoring above 300, over 75 per cent of them making 250 and above and one scoring the second highest in the country.

    “I will not fail to congratulate this graduating class for being the class that produced the first and only secondary pupils in Nigeria to pass the foundation level of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). The impressive university admissions and mouthwatering scholarships deserve our applause.”

    Mrs Oluwadamilola urged the pupils to be worthy ambassadors of a school and blaze forth like stars that light the night.

    “As agents of transformation, be sure to lead lives worthy of emulation and in all your future endeavours, be guided by truth. Go and accomplish the extraordinary for only the very best is good enough for you,” she said.

    At the end of the ceremony, awards of recognition were given to outstanding pupils while the duo of Anthony Ilobinso and Ademola Adelekan won Outstanding Teachers’ Award of the 2018 set.

    Dignitaries at the event included Chief Executive Officer, Corona School Trust Council, Mrs. Adeyoyin Adesina; Director of Education; Mrs. Amelia Dafeta; Executive Chairman, Agbara/Igbesa Local Council Development Area of Ogun State, Ebenezer Oniyide; representatives of ACCA, Lagos and West,  Abayomi Quassim; Ayoola Ademoye; parents and well-wishers.

  • Osinbajo to Nigerians: Insist on leaders with character, integrity

    *Rule of law pillar of democracy, say CJN, Babalakin

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) on Thursday urged Nigerians to insist on leaders with character and integrity.

    He said good governance would be impossible without the right people in power.

    The Vice-President spoke at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Faculty of Law 2018 public lecture with the theme: The rule of law as panacea for peace, security and good governance in a democracy.                                                

    Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen, who delivered the lecture, and UNILAG Pro-Chancellor Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN), who chaired the event, said good governance and peace would be impossible without the rule of law.

    They also called for an independent judiciary and for court orders to be respected.

    Osinbajo, represented by Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC) Executive Secretary Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, said each arm of government must fulfill its constitutional role for rule of law to thrive.

    He said: “The rule of law being the heartbeat of democratic governance, we must accept that obeying the law will promote peace, security and ultimately good governance.

    “The rule of law is the principle of governance in which all parties are accountable to laws that are enacted, enforced and independently adjudicated.

    “It is one of the sacred constitutional doctrines that require taking necessary measures to ensure accountability, fairness in the application of law, avoidance of arbitrariness and procedural and legal transparency.”

    According to him, if the triad of government fails to fulfill their constitutional mandates, the aspirations for peace and security would be a mirage, everyone is victimized and the society pays the price.

    “Irrespective of the composition of government and the dominance or otherwise of one political party controlling the executive or the legislature, the triad of the executive, the legislature and the judiciary will work together as a cooperative government in order that the expectations of the people for good governance is not dashed, because what the people want is good governance.

    “The first step to achieve the goal set by the theme of this lecture is the proper evaluation of the character and the integrity of the persons elected or appointed to positions of authority in all the arms and levels of government. If we’re able to get this basic issue right, we’re closer to our dream of peace, security and good governance in our democracy.

    “Failure at this level implies that the foundation has been destroyed, therefore leaving the righteous with the difficult if not an impossible task of building something from nothing.”

    Read Also: No basis to compare APC with PDP, says Osinbajo

    He called for citizen involvement, saying: “For us to build a nation of our dreams, the citizens must also sucritinise the actions of those elected or appointed with objective and non-partisan mindset.”

    Osinbajo praised the CJN for taking pro-active measures towards strengthening the judiciary.

    Chief Justice Onnoghen said the observance of the rule of law was a pre-requisite for peace, security and good governance in a democracy.

    He regretted that the rule of law was “disregarded” by past administrations, while powerful individuals acted above the law.

    The CJN said: “It is quite discouraging that the rule of law has over time been disregarded in Nigeria and successive administrations have continued to show total disdain for its development.

    “Hence, it will not be improper or out of place to conclude that without improvement on the observance of the rule of law, it will be impossible for Nigeria to experience peace, security and good governance.”

    Chief Justice Onnoghen was of the view that security was critical for national cohesion and sustainable development.

    “Any government that is against the enthronement of the rule of law is by implication inviting anarchy into the system. A democratic government must not only obey the law but also courts’ orders,” he said.

    The CJN believed Nigeria urgently needed “a vibrant and independent judiciary” that must “at all times frown at any interference from other arms of government” while guaranteeing access to justice for all.

    According to him, the court system must be truly independent, accountable, efficient, impartial, accessible and credible, adding that the courts expect the utmost respect of the law from the government that rules by the law.

    “The level of respect and obedience accorded by the citizens of any civilised democratic society to court orders, judgments and other judicial acts determine the level of development of the rule of law and consequently the maintenance of peace, order and public good in such a society or state,” Chief Justice Onnoghen said.

    Dr Babalakin emphasized that the rule of law could not thrive in the absence of an independent judiciary.

    “We’re still struggling to convince the entire society that it is to our mutual benefit that we have adherence to the rule of law. I’m relatively young in the system, but I’ve seen successive governments pay lip service to the rule of law.

    “They emphasize the rule of law when they’re in opposition, and capitulate as soon as they’re in government. Without the judiciary standing firm, only God knows where we would have been as a nation.

    “We’ve seen arbitrariness of the highest order; we’ve seen total disdain for other’s rights. But we cannot have the sort of judiciary we desire unless we make it a collective assignment,” he said.

    Addressing the CJN, Dr Babalakin added: “I congratulate you for standing firm in the face of serious aggression against the concept of an independent judiciary. You have taken a position that is commendable to all those who appreciate that we can only have the rule of law if it’s situated within an independent, courageous and well funded judiciary.

    “You have not allowed the convenience of the moment prevent you from pursuing your ideals. I have no doubt that by the time your tenure comes to an end, the Nigerian judiciary would have the platform for growth.”

    Dr Babalakin praised the law faculty for organizing the event, saying: “The faculty of law has set a pace and must be the envy of every other faculty in this university.”

    He said the faculty was living up to the ideals of its pioneer dean, the late Prof Taslim Elias.

    The faculty dean, Prof Ayo Atsenuwa, said the CJN was chosen in a bid to give the judiciary a voice.

    She said: “When we conceptualised the 2018 lecture, we wondered who could give us a momentous lecture in the sense that we wanted a lecture that would speak to the issues of the day. We thought: Why not give an opportunity to the judiciary to have their voices heard?

    “By tradition and the exigency of their job, they don’t speak publicly because they don’t want to pre-judge cases. But we also must hear from the judiciary. We thought: who better than the CJN? And we thought that other arms need to hear from the Judiciary.”

  • ‘How we made First Class’

    The 50th convocation ceremonies of the University of Lagos may have come and gone, but some stories of outstanding success still linger. Mediatrice Nwosu, who encountered three friends who finished in the first-class category, reports

    OBI Ositadinma Franklin looked distinguished and radiant this sunny afternoon. Not that his academic gown or cap was different from that of his colleagues’; rather his was the radiance that comes with the accomplishment of success. Obi was one of the few students who graduated with first class in the 2016/2017 session, who were being awarded degrees by authorities of the University of Lagos this afternoon.

    In company of two other friends, who also finished in the first class category, Obi, who finished with an impressive 4.50 CPGA in Mathematics and Statistics, expressed delight at his feat, saying it was a result of ‘hard work and never giving up.’

    “I read every day and never gave up, even during my 400-Level first semester, when things got a bit tough and it seemed my dream of finishing with first class was slipping away. I had lots of challenges, especially financial and had to resort to conducting tutorials after my classes, including Saturdays and Sundays, to make some money and keep body and soul together. But I made sure I studied every night. Looking back, I can’t even remember how many times I was able to make time for church.”

    Having lost his mom and dad in his SS2 and SS3 respectively, Obi recalled that his final days in secondary school and all through his university days were tough and really challenging, but he was always encouraged by his mom’s words to always ‘strive hard for a better future.’ He also spoke of how he went days on empty stomach and ‘drank garri a lot,’ so he could have energy to read and pass.

    Like Obi, Esivwenughwu Emmanuel also graduated with first class (4.65) from the Mathematics and Statistics department. Recalling how he was able to accomplish the feat, Esivwenughwu said it was largely due to God and a gift of retentive memory.

    “I can only think of the grace of God, the strength given to me to read and a retentive memory, which helps me remember whatever I learn or read. I also had the advice and prayers of my mother, and friends who motivated me.”

    He advised fellow students who are aiming at the same feat to “strive hard, make reading their hobby and learn to ask questions if they don’t understand.”

    Esivwenughwu, who said his next immediate goal, is to “further his education in a known institution outside the country,” also advised them to make friends with responsible, God-fearing and intelligent people.

    Not to be left out of the elite first class club, was Anuoluwapo Aleem, who said she is currently undergoing her youth service at Arnergy Solar Limited in Lagos.

    Anuoluwapo, who also graduated from the Mathematics and Statistics department, said she has always been the best in Mathematics right from her primary school through to secondary school. She however said university was “a different ball game as it was quite challenging.”

    She had wanted to read Medicine because of the prestige attached to the title ‘doc’, but opted for Mathematics, when her first two choices (the other was engineering) didn’t come through. “At that time, I thought I was a failure, not knowing the plan God had for me.”

    Graduating with a 4.65 CGPA, Anuoluwapo, said nothing gives her more satisfaction than solving a mathematical problem.

    To come out with a first class, Anuoluwapo said was a combination of “self-belief, focus – even when things weren’t going well and an understanding of how each lecturer asked his questions and their marking scheme and strategy”, and of course, belief in God.

    The pretty lady, who said her first semester at 300-level was her most challenging said, “I’m a living testimony, I enjoyed God’s favour throughout my university days.”

    Explaining what made her 300-level most challenging, she said, “I had a non-scholar GPA for the first time and my CGPA was 4.49. At that point, I was on the edge of giving up hope of graduating with a first class. What kept me going was the desire to have a 5.0 GPA. And I had it in first semester 400-level.”

  • Don urges FG to fast-track 2018 budget implementation

    Dr Tunde Adeoye, a Senior Economics Lecturer at the University of Lagos has advised the Federal Government to fast-track the implementation of 2018 budget so as to impact positively on average Nigerians.

    Adeoye, who gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Ota, Ogun, said that it was important to fast track the implementation so as to actualise the goals and purposes of the budget.

    According to him “The budget is lagging behind already and in the few months to come, the government will be preparing for the 2019 budget.

    “Before appropriation can be done, it will take some months,’’ he said.

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     Adeoye also advised the federal government to inject fresh funds into the system so as to keeps the economy going.

    “There is the need for the economy to be injected with funds because the nation is just getting out of recession.’’

    He said that apart from issues of timeliness, the 2018 budget was okay if only the government could work within the inspiration of the budget.

    The don noted that the nation was operating a budget within its revenue profile.

    He lauded the benchmark for crude oil that was increased from $45 to $50 for the 2018 budget, saying “it is also okay because the price cannot fall below this’’.

  • Three tie as best at UNILAG

    12,393 to graduate next week

     

    Two hundred and forty-five (245) first class holders are among the 12,393 students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, that would graduate next week.

    Announcing this year’s convocation programme at a press briefing held at the Senate Chambers of the university on Wednesday, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, said the best three (Jude Mathew – Biochemistry; Abass Roy-Layinde – Petroleum Engineering, and Emmanuel Babawale – Early Child Education) had the same Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.97.

    He also said four of the First Class graduates were among the pioneer 14 produced by the institution’s Chinese Language programme.

    Out of the total graduates, Ogundipe said 6,816, (53.9 per cent), were undergraduates while 5,822, (46.1 per cent), were postgraduate students.

    Among the first degree holders, the Vice-Chancellor said 1,892 made Second Class (upper division); 2,959 Second Class (lower division); 1,227 made Third Class; 93 had Pass; while 400 were graduating with unclassified degrees or diplomas.”

    In the postgraduate category, the university would graduate 123 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) holders, 5,190 Masters’ degree holders and 509 Post Graduate Diploma students.

    The convocation programme would feature a lecture on “Inclusion: A Path to a New Nation” to be delivered by the Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday to be chaired by Professor of Biology, Anya Oko Anya. Same day will also be the investiture of the Vice-Chancellor will as the 12th in the university following his appointment last November.

    The convocation for both undergraduates and postgraduates would follow between Wednesday and Friday during which the university will confer Emeritus Professorship on Prof Mabel Ogunlesi, a former deputy vice-chancellor; while Professors Herbert Coker, Ayodeji Olukoju, Taiwo Osipitan and Onatolu Odukoya will be awarded distinguished professorship awards.

    Prof Ogundipe said the university would continue to pursue excellence, and focus on research that would benefit the nation.

    “We have initiated some partnerships and collaborations with institutions and organisations that will help us to achieve our dream of providing a world-class learning and research environment that will produce great scholars and researchers, with national impact.  We shall escalate research activities that focus on solving real-life challenges,” he said.