By 'Gbenga Bankole
19-year-old Ogunmola Mary Ayobami from the Department of Computer Science has emerged the best graduating student with a CGPA of 4.89 for the 2022/2023 academic session of Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olasebikan Fakolujo who disclosed this yesterday at the 14th convocation ceremony of the institution stated that the 4.89 CGPA of Ayobami is an improvement over that of last year best graduating student of a CGPA of 4.87.
Ayobami received the one million naira special Chancellor award from the newly appointed Chancellor of the school, Prof. Anthony Oluwasegun Adegbulugbe.
Prof. Fakolujo noted that 467 students graduated from various departments, with 23 graduating with first-class honours, adding that 205 of the students graduated with second-class uppers, 172 bagged second-class lowers, 65 with third-class honours, and two people graduated with a pass degree.
The VC urged the graduands to keep the banner of JABU (their alma mater) high and to kindle the JABUITE spirit which centres on godliness, integrity, self-reliance and service to humanity wherever you find yourself in life.
"We have kept you in this citadel in the past three to five years, to acquire the requisites to live a full and fulfilled life. This you must continue to do in the quest for life-long education after the educational foundation. Your success in that respect, offer this nation hope of a better humanity and service to mankind. My charge to you is to continue to express the motto and spirit of this University, 'for Knowledge and godly service' in all your life's journey as you become worthy ambassador of Joseph Ayo Babalola University," he said.
"Graduands, some of you will put your skill to use in ventures that stimulate innovation and develop human capital. Some of you could take your entrepreneurial ideas to the next level in the outside world. Many of you are headed for positions in the business world, or public service, and others will occupy academic or research posts, either now or after completing advanced degrees or postdoctoral positions. Looking at you now, I am filled with a new hope about Nigeria's future despite all of our many present challenges. It is on the solid strength of your character that Nigeria will progress and become a prosperous, developed, united and strong nation," the VC said to the graduands.
Apart from the appointment of Prof. Adegbulugbe, the VC announced the appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan (SAN) as the 2nd Pro-Chancellor of the institution. Prof. Amupitan replaced the pioneer Pro-Chancellor, Prof. A.M.A. Imevbore, who resigned his appointment after serving in that capacity for over 17 years.
At the Convocation Ceremony, there was investiture of the newly appointed Chancellor of JABU, Prof. Anthony Oluwasegun Adegbulugbe by the Visitor of the University and Chairman, Board of Trustees, CAC President, Pastor Samuel O. Oladele.
The newly appointed Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Adegbulugbe while delivering his speech told the graduands that as they embark on a new journey equipped with the knowledge and practical skills secured in JABU, they should carry forward the values instilled in them during their time in the school, embrace challenges as opportunities, innovate fearlessly, and apply the knowledge and skills to create positive change in society.
He further told them that their achievements symbolize not just academic success but also the embodiment of our JABU's ethos - the pursuit of knowledge coupled with practical skill sets.
According to the Chancellor, "your journey here has been unique, filled with academic rigour and the acquisition of invaluable practical skills, setting you apart as the torchbearers of innovation and entrepreneurship. As the First Entrepreneurial University in Nigeria, this institution stands at the forefront of academic evolution. The mandatory acquisition of skill sets alongside academic studies reflects our commitment to producing graduates who are not just knowledgeable but also equipped with the practical tools necessary to thrive in the dynamic landscape of the modern world."
"I am inspired by the vision of this University, which emphasizes not only theoretical knowledge but also the application of that knowledge in real-world scenarios. The integration of entrepreneurial skills into the academic curriculum empowers our students to become not only jobseekers but also job creators, innovators, and leaders in their respective fields. I stand here committed to upholding and advancing this tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship. Together, we will continue to provide a fertile ground for intellectual growth and the cultivation of practical skills that will enable our graduates to navigate the complexities of the global marketplace," he stated.
Prof. Adegbulugbe announced 500,000 (Five hundred thousand Naira) each to the graduating students who bagged first class honours degree, while the overall best graduating student will get N1,000,000 (One million Naira) at this 14th Convocation.
He added, "in addition, those non first class graduating students who have the best results in their departments will each be awarded N250,000 (Two hundred and fifty thousand Naira) prize. I am in discussion with the Management of the university to see how this can be institutionalized as an annual Chancellor Academic Excellence Prizes."
At the 14 convocation ceremony, JABU bestowed her highest honours on eminent personalities who have highly distinguished themselves in their respective vocations and services to humanity.
They are Elder Abiola Popoola, Head of Faculty, CAC Leadership Academy, retired as HR Director, Guinness International who was honoured with a doctorate in industrial relations and human resource management (Honoris Causa); Pastor Peter Ashade, Group Chief Executive Officer, United Capital Plc, a leading pan-African investment and financial services institution, was honoured with a Doctorate in Business Administration (Honoris Causa) and Elder Oluwadare Bello, a fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Registered Surveyors and Valuers and Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom, Elder Oluwadare Bello was honoured with a Doctorate in Estate Management (Honoris Causa).
The convocation had in attendance the President of CAC Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Oladele; General Superintendent, Pastor Emmanuel O. Odejobi; Regional Superintendent of CAC Latunde Region (North America), Pastor Timothy Agbeja and many others.
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