By 'Gbenga Bankole
A total number of 511 students graduated at the 12th Convocation ceremony of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State.
Giving the breakdown at the ceremony which was held on Friday January 21, 2022, the Vice Chancellor of institution, Prof. Kola Sonaike said the 511 comprised 25 first-class honours, 202 second-class (upper division), 213 second-class (lower division) , 70 third-class and 1 graduated with a pass degree.
Prof. Sonaike also disclosed that the best graduating students for the 2020/2021 academic session are David OreOluwa Babalola and Peter Abimbola Abegunrin from the Departments of Computer Science and Law respectively. He added that they both graduated with a CGPA of 4.97 which is a new record since the university started 15 years ago.
He also said that both of them would be given immediate employment at JABU, while each first class graduating student gets 25,000 naira.
The school conferred Honorary Doctorate Degree on Sir Muftau Olakunle Oyegunle, President Chairman of the Council of Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria. He was honoured with a Doctorate degree in Insurance (Honoris Causa).
In the same vein, JABU conferred the title of Professor Emeritus, the first of its kind, on Professor Theophilus O. Olowokure, an erudite scholar of Accounting who has made an unforgettable mark in the academia both locally and internationally.
Among the measures taken, according to Prof. Sonaike, is the installation of closed-circuit cameras in the institution, completion and commissioning of College of Post Graduate Studies Building donated by Dr. Remi Awode, completion of the JABU Journalism Building in memory of Prof. Femi Sonaike, completion and commissioning of Dr. Bayo Olugbemi lecture theatre and many others.
He said it was worrisome that the Nigerian government is yet to include private universities to benefit from grants and support from Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).
According to him, it is unrealistic to think the government, anywhere in the world, would be able to operate a good university, even as he urged proprietors to embrace fiscal innovations.
The VC also expressed support for the return of schools to missionaries, saying the move will help nurture disciplined and responsible citizens.
The Cleric noted that departure from strict moral principles laid down by missionary schools has led to degeneration in societal values. According to him, “Religion has a major role when it comes to youth development. It is an error to take schools away from missionaries.”
He recalled his experience as a student of an Anglican college, stressing that the ethics he and his contemporaries learned helped them to attain greater heights in life.
In his address at the Convocation ceremony, the President of Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel O. Oladele said the task of preparing a new productive generation of young men and women is one that requires the collaboration of church, family and the school.
He noted that this should not be left in the hand of a segment in the society, adding that this explains the need to continue sustaining JABU through the Board of Trustees in various forms, for godly service and academic excellence.
According to him, the pace of growth that is being witnessed in JABU is predicated upon the support and has goodwill of well-meaning philanthropists over the years, in addition to the monthly subvention given by the Church and the fees paid by students.
"Let me seize this opportunity to appreciate all stakeholders of our University, viz-a-viz the Authority, Pastors and members of Christ Apostolic Church, who are indeed the Proprietors of the University; principal officers of the Church, the Chancellor (who is unavoidably absent), members of the Board of Trustees; Chairman, Vice-Chairman and members of the Governing Council; Principal officers of the University; members of University Senate; Heads of departments and units; all other staff of the University; parents and guardians; all our host communities, especially Ipo Arakeji and Ikeji Arakeji Communities; dear students, and others not mentioned. We appreciate your immense contribution to our success stories. My appreciation will be incomplete if I fail to acknowledge the Ajalaye of Ipetu Ijesa and the entire community of Ipetu Ijesa for giving to JABU, free of charge, the uncompleted building for the earlier proposed General Hospital and the expanse of land for the currently proposed teaching hospital of the University. May the good Lord continue to reward you, even beyond your imagination," Pastor Oladele stated.
The programme had in attendance the General Evangelist of the Church, Prophet Hezekiah O. Oladeji, General Secretary, Pastor Emmanuel E. Mapur, Finance Director, Pastor Johnson F. Omitinde, Missions Director, Pastor Caxton S. Fasuyi, Regional Superintendents and many others.
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