Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan
About 300 members of the nation’s armed forces were part of the 3,641 Master Degree graduating students at the 69th convocation ceremony of the University of Ibadan, UI.
Also graduating are: Nigerian Ambassador to the Holy See, Gen Godwin George Umor (Rtd) and Ambassador to Germany, Mrs Mobolaji Sakirat Ogundero.
Speaking today at the conclusion of Master’s Degree convocation, the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, noted that the institution’s Postgraduate School has continued to maintain excellence in postgraduate training and research.
According to him, “In pursuance of this objective, our Postgraduate School has, over the years organised series of interdisciplinary discourse delivered by eminent Nigerian and foreign scholars and shared experience with the University of Ibadan on the broad theme of Education and National Development.
“Again, during the year, in its efforts to reposition for greater efficiency, the Postgraduate School has decentralised its process of consideration of Abstract which now, creates a seamless procedure in the registration of titles of theses and dissertations.
“This is in addition to the several workshops and seminars funded by the Postgraduate School. The Postgraduate School has continued to be a major producer of high quality manpower needed to propel development in our country.
“This is evidenced in almost 400 Ph. D degrees that would be awarded tomorrow in different disciplines. This is a feat that is second to none in Nigeria so far and indeed in the African region. The Postgraduate School has also continued to be a major driving force in our desire to transform into a research and postgraduate institution”.
Olayinka reiterated that the vision of the University is anchored on the pursuit of the national goals of development through knowledge creation and dissemination, with a view of promoting national transformation.
“The realisation of this vision is reflected in our commitment to the continuous development of teaching, learning and research programmes that would provide the required skills for internalizing the development process and to serve as catalyst for the political, social and economic development of the nation”, he added.
Among the royal fathers who greased the convocation ceremony were: Lagbelu 11, the Limeri of Awa-Ijebu, His Royal Highness, Oba Abib A. Awobajo and Elese of Ilese-Ijebu, His Royal Majesty, Oba Oluremi Obayomi.