Caleb University, Imota, Lagos has turned out 1,209 graduates including 60 with first class honours at it’s historic 13th convocation ceremony on Saturday, 3rd February.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Nosa Owen- Ibie noted that this years’ convocation is a historic milestone.
“Last year and after five years, two honorary doctorate degrees were awarded, and we are this year honouring another distinguished Nigerian and Benue State Governor, His Excellency, Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Hyacinth Alia. We have in our midst, His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and other distinguished guests”.
Congratulating the parents of the graduating students, the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Ajayi said, “Your labour of love over your children will yield a bountiful harvest and you will live long to enjoy the fruits of your labour over these children. We rejoice with you today and wish the university a happy 13th convocation ceremony.“
Encouraging the graduants, he said, “You need to stay focused and put to use all you have received spiritually, morally and academically to achieve success and be a blessing to your parents, community and the nation generally.
“Remember, you are the master of your destiny, hence a lot depends on you to be the revelation the world is waiting for. I charge you to be great ambassadors of Caleb University wherever you go”.
While appealing to Nigerians to be patient, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, called on the government to fix the Ikorodu–Itokin road to ease the suffering of Nigerians for economic prosperity of the southwest and Nigeria as a whole.
“I wish our leaders witness what ordinary Nigerians are facing on a daily basis and for once come out of their comfort zone to see people suffering,” he said.
Meanwhile, guest lecturer, at the event, Gbenga Omotosho, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, charged the graduants to become more involved in political parties, parliament, appointments, elections, and civic spaces as a matter of right, rather than of benevolence as it is sometimes suggested and as part of the solution rather than a problem to be resolved by others.”
He also mentioned the importance of closing the generational gap between the old and young in Nigerian politics.
The commissioner said to bridge the gap and get more youths into politics, the following steps should be considered including mentoring, perception, finance, character and appointments.
“The view that politics is an end in itself is wrong. It should not be seen as an end in itself, but a means to an end, which is the well-being of all and development of the society.
“It should be seen as a service. With this in mind, our youths should be eager to join since they will be persuaded that they are serving humanity and their fatherland”.
He continued that, “The impression that only the rich can join politics should be dumped. Money should stop being the first consideration. The youth will join when they realize that they do not need so much money to fulfill their ambitions. Some parties have special consideration for women in observance of gender equality.
“The same consideration can be given to youths, who will have fees for nomination forms reduced for them”.
Other dignitaries at the event were, Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi of Love of Christ International Church, former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and others.
The 1,209 students who graduated were from the 2022 and 2023 academic years and were awarded first and higher degrees. Also, nine pioneering PhD students were also presented at the event.
The best graduating student was Abigail Ebunoluwa Adeyemi with a CGPA of 4.82. She went home with cash prizes, plaques and a job offer from a federal lawmaker, Mrs. Kafilat Ogbara after completing her youth service year.