By Gilbert Ekezie

History was made recently at the 7TH convocation of the Caleb University, Imota, Ikorodu Lagos State for the conferment of first and higher degrees, as well as presentation of prizes to about 209 graduates of the University.

The event which took place at the University’s Multi purpose hall was attended by families, friends and well-wishers of the graduates who gathered to celebrate and honour their own.

Out of the total fresh graduates from different departments, 14 graduated in First Class grade. The best graduating student was, Miss Elizabeth Omotola Nejo of Department of Mass Communication who took home the Peter Okebukola Science Foundation, Bayo Olugbemi, Tunji Olugbogi, New Horizons Excellence and Dayo Babatunde prizes.

Miss Stella Chizoba Ndubuisi won the Bayo Olugbemi prize as the best graduating student in the Department of Accounting and Finance, as well as Best Graduating student with a CGPA of 4.00 and above. Also, Anuoluwapo Ogunwole emerged the best in Business Administration, while Prosper Oghifo made First Class in the Department of Law, ethics and Corporate Governance, Julie Chinaza Nwachukwu, Industrial Chemistry, Halimot Lolade Arowolo, Architecture and Olaoluwa Obafemi Kazeem, Computer Science

Others are Ruth Opeyemi Adebogun, Economics, Ruth Bisola Babatunde, International Relations, Nwoko Grace, Political Science, Azzez Ayodeji Adeniji Pure and Applied Science

In a valedictory speech, Nejo promised to face the challenges ahead with confidence and determination. “I am privileged to have passed through the scholarship of the university and because Nigeria needs us the graduates to succeed, we will be focused and try to be self reliant.”

They also promised to keep the flag of the university flying at all times by being good ambassadors of the university.

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Also, one of the 1st Class graduates,Miss Stella Chizoba Ndubuisi expressed joy for coming out in a flying colour and attributed her success to hard work, perseverance and God’s grace.

She gave thanks to God for sustaining and empowering her to achieve the feat, pointing out that all are geared towards hard work and total commitment to her studies.  “I am really glad for the honour God did me because I am convinced that others also studied hard, but God made it possible for me to climb such a great height. Notwithstanding I and my parents worked to achieve the feat.”

Ndubuisi who was adjudged the Best Graduating Student in her department with CGPA of 4.00, explained that having graduated, she would like to be a teacher, so as to impart knowledge to others. “I have passion in teaching and that is what I would like to do at the end of the day after my Masters programme.”

In a lecture on Your role in Shaping Nigeria’s Future, Group Chief Executive Officer of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Mr. Ladi Balogun said he was passionate about Nigeria’s tomorrow, its place in the world and the role of young graduates in shaping tomorrow.

He said Nigeria is a country that has potentials, but is lagging behind in most indices. “Economically, we are growing at less than 1%, and we celebrate inflation at 16% when 90% of our exports and foreign exchange earnings emanate from oil, although we do have a Diaspora that brings home over $20 billion a year into Nigeria.’’ Balogun who offered an automatic job for the best graduate expressed dismay that there are bad roads and no rail network to speak of but was optimistic that things would improve in the future. “Unemployment is high, terrorism, tribalism and corruption are woven into our social fabric. Disaffection and neglect are leading to calls for restructuring and regional secession. Though, things are far from perfect, but every great nation has had their bad days”.

Board of Trustees Chairman of the University, Prof Peter Okebukola commended the graduates for their commitment and hard work that had earned them the victory.

He therefore advised them to be focused in order to make more break-through in their future endeavours.

Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Ayandiji Aina said already, the university has produced six sets of graduates who have been successfully mobilized for the National Youth Service Corps.                                                                                                                                            He noted that the institution approved by the Federal Government as a private university on May 17, 2007 and commenced full academic activities on January 21, 2008, with 140 pioneer students in three colleges – Environmental Science and Management, College of Pure and Applied Sciences and College of Social and Management Sciences. “It started operations from its approved take-off site on Ikosi GRA, off GMD Road, Lagos and moved in November 2009 to its permanent site.”

Aina also informed that, the university commenced postgraduate studies with the M.sC in Architecture from 2012/2013 academic session.