We are blessed to attend UNILORIN –Graduands
The 37th and 38th combined convocation ceremonies of the University of Ilorin has come and gone. The events would, however, be remembered for a very long time to come. This is in view of the several memorable episodes that occurred in the course of the two-week ceremonies.
The number of graduands dispatched to the real world by the University is relatively huge and affirmed its status as the nation’s most subscribed. The uniqueness of the events is also discernible in the calibre of guests who came from all walks of life and from far and near to honour the University with their presence.
The total number of graduands, who also made first class honours as revealed in the speeches of the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, is also quite encouraging as the calibre of graduands, particularly of the doctorate degrees,is also exceptional.
UNILORIN BULLETIN, the University’s official weekly news publication, covered the events and interacted with a cross section of graduands, who expressed joy that they succssfully completed their various academic programmes at the nation’s most sought-after University.
The Executive Director, Finance, Nigerian National Petroleum Company PLC,Abdulkadir Olatunji Nagode, who earned his Ph.D. in Business Administration at the convocation, said that he was very delighted that he attended the University of Ilorin, where he had earlier obtained his Master’s degrees. He described the University of Ilorin as one of the topmost three Nigerian universities that anyone who desired quality education and respectable certificates should struggle to attend.
Dr Nagode said that his realisation of the doctorate degree is a dream come true for him as he had always wanted to earn the highest academic degree. He encouraged others not to limit their education no matter the position they hold, but always try as much as possible to be sufficiently educated for them to be whatever they want to be in life.
The NNPC’s topnotch also encouraged all the alumni of the University to endeavour to give back to the institution. He explained that the University can only remain an institution they would all be proud of if they all support its growth one way or the other.
A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko, also expressed satisfaction with the quality of service delivery obtainable at the University of Ilorin. Hon. Aluko, who represents the Ilorin East/ Ilorin South Federal Constituency at the Lower House of the National Assembly, graduated with a doctorate degree in Peace and Development Studies.
While promising to deploy the knowledge and contacts he gained at the University to impact on his legislative responsibilities, Dr Aluko assured that he would always look back at the University with absolute pride and serve as its ambassador of academic and moral excellence.
Another Ph. D. graduand, Shehu Lukman Bolaji Sambo, thanked Allah for enabling him to accomplish his doctorate degree at the University of Ilorin. He added that he would always remain proud of his intellectual sojourn at the University as he thanked the University for the opportunity offered him to attain the pinnacle of academic qualifications.
Dr Sambo, who earned his Ph. D. in Law 38 years after his first degree in the same discipline from the University of Jos, urged other alumni of the University not to severe their relationships with the University simply because of their graduation. He said that the institution needs their solidarity and support more than ever before.
Also speaking to UNILORIN BULLETIN, a lecturer at the University’s Department of History and International Studies, Rasheed Onagun,said that he was very grateful to Allah for the privilege of concluding his doctorate degree programme peacefully and in record time.
Dr Onagun,who described himself as “a total UNILORITE”, said that his graduation has made him to become one of the academic staff of the University who earned all their degrees from the University.
He added that his experience in the course of his doctoral programme at the University has deepened his knowledge and enriched his perspectives about the University and strengthened his conviction that the University is a real citadel of academic excellence.
Dr Onagun encouraged all other students pursuing one academic programme or the other at the University to be focussed and industrious for them to round off their studies as scheduled, saying that the University does not delay its students in anyway.
The best graduating student of the 2021/2022 academic session, Joshua Oluwakorede Adedeji, said, “I am personally proud to be an alumnus of this prestigious University and couldn’t wish for a better environment where I have been able to groom and develop myself professionally”.
The outstanding graduate of Pharmaceutical Sciences added that the University is a great citadel of learning that builds students in character and learning.
On the feat he achieved, Mr Adedeji said,” I didn’t see it coming. I was rather focused on passing the next test and next exam. It didn’t dawn on me quickly that I was on a path to becoming the best graduating student. I am indeed grateful to God, Faculty and friends”.
A graduate of the Department of Biochemistry, Miss Christiana Aiyese, who hails from Ondo State, described the University of Ilorin as “a fascinating citadel of learning and a place of high moral rectitude” . She recalled that she had always been interested in coming to study at the University right from her secondary school days, adding that her admission and eventual graduation from the University is a watershed in her life and a blessing to her.
Miss Raheemat Adeola Adesina, who graduated with a B.Sc. degree in Biochemistry, was also delighted that she attended the University of Ilorin. She described the institution as a “pressure cooker”, which she would not advise anyone who is unwilling to learn and conduct herself in the best of manner to apply to for studentship. She explained that anyone who graduated from the University of Ilorin with any grade whatsoever is a genius.
Miss Adesina, who is based in Lagos, also thanked God that most of the friends she currently has were met in the course of her schooling at the University. She urged students of the institution to stay focused and avoid side attractions to enable them acquire quality education and graduate in record time and happiness as she did.
To Miss Ayomide Fadipe, her attendance and eventual graduation from the University of Ilorin were something she would cherish forever. She described the University as an institution, which gives nothing but the best in the realm of learning and character.
“I think, I would love and encourage my children and all those around me to come here for their degrees as I don’t think it could be better elsewhere”, Miss Fadipe noted.
Mrs Maryam Imam, who earned her Master’s degree in History and International Studies, said that her graduation from the University, where she had earlier obtained her first degree, is a development she would cherish for a very long time.
Mrs Imam said that the University of Ilorin is an institution where excellence in academic and morality could be taken for granted as the two are visible across the University. She added that her experience at the University has prepared her for all challenges that may come her way in the nearest and distant future.
Another graduand, Miss Aminat Yusuf, explained that the story of her life wouldn’t be complete until her sojourn at the University of Ilorin is “lavishly mentioned”.
Miss Yusuf, who obtained her B. Sc. degree in Finance, described her 4 year academic training at the University of Ilorin as a special privilege and a great experience that would remain with her forever.
She noted that, while her admission into the University was an herculean task because of the number of candidates who always preferred the institution to others, Miss Yusuf noted that getting certified to be good enough in character and learning by the authorities of the University is a greater task that only those who are good enough can secure.
Miss Robiat Bisola Moshood , who earned a B. Sc. degree in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, was full of joy on her graduation from the University. She said that her happiness was informed by the fact that she has become an alumnus of the Better By Far University like several other great individuals who passed through the University.
Miss Moshood said that her experience at the University was full of mixture of pains and pleasures as in every human affairs. She added that it was not so easy at the beginning but thank God that she eventually and successfully graduated from the University.
She pointed out that anyone who graduated from the University would not find any other institution of learning difficult to attend for higher academic qualifications as we have been thoroughly groomed here.
Another graduate from the Department of Biochemistry, Mr Bright Oluwaseun Sosanwo, also expressed gratitude to his parents for sponsoring his education at the University.
He described the University of Ilorin as second to none in Nigeria in terms of the quality of teaching and facilities as he added that the prevailing peace and harmony in the University also stand it out among its peers and accounted for the large number of candidates who applied to it for studies.