No fewer than 484 students have graduated from Elizade University (EU), Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, during its 8th and 9th convocation ceremony.
The ceremony, held at the university premises on Wednesday, featured guest lecturer Babajide Raji Fashola, a two-time former governor of Lagos State and Minister of the federation.
In his speech, the Vice Chancellor of EU, Professor Kayode Thadius Ijadunola, congratulated the graduates and their parents for their selfless sacrifices, which have yielded fruitful results.
He noted that among the 484 undergraduate graduates, 51 earned first-class degrees, 196 received second-class upper division degrees, while 191 and 46 obtained second-class lower division and third-class degrees, respectively.
He also revealed that in the postgraduate programs, 16 graduates will be awarded Postgraduate Diplomas, 24 will receive Master of Science degrees, while 2 and 5 graduates will receive Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy degrees, respectively.
Among the 51 first-class graduates, Imogu Emmanuella Ifunanaya from the Department of Civil Engineering emerged as the overall best-graduating student, with a CGPA of 4.95 on a 5.0 scale.
In his goodwill message, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Dr. Ilawole, noted that the convocation ceremony is evidence that Ondo State is among the leading education states in Nigeria.
Governor Aiyedatiwa encouraged the graduates to make good use of the knowledge they have acquired and to give back to society.
“I congratulate all guardians, parents, and students here today. This is a mark of success. Knowledge is power; as you have acquired it, use it wisely and give back to society. Your education is not merely a certificate but a key to unlocking your potential,” Aiyedatiwa urged.
The Governor also appreciated the founder of EU, Chief Michael Ade-Ojo, for giving back to his community and, in turn, strengthening the state’s economy.
He added, “I urge everyone to recognise the founder’s dedication to community service. Nigeria is our nation, and the call to save it is now. To make Nigeria a place worth living, we must revive and protect our customs and values that set us apart.”
“The Ondo State government is committed to providing quality education. All tertiary institutions in the state are adequately funded to produce skilled graduates,” he added.
In his lecture titled “Nigeria and I: What Can I Do?” the guest lecturer, Babajide Raji Fashola, encouraged the graduates to embrace the opportunities presented by the country.
Citing the example of Ade-Ojo, the former Lagos State Governor explained that the road to success is challenging but can be conquered with persistence.
According to him, Nigeria is at a juncture where citizens can either surrender to challenges or embrace them and turn them into opportunities.
“Success is challenging, but it’s sweeter when adversity is overcome. Elizade started as a small business and stands today as a testament in enterprise.
“Nigeria is at a point where you either surrender to challenges or embrace them and turn them into opportunities. True leaders don’t give up. Unleash the spirit within you and seize the numerous opportunities the country has to offer,” Fashola emphasized.
Other notable guests at the convocation ceremony included Apostle Folorunsho Alakija, Chief Tunde Afolabi, the Ooni of Ife, the Deji of Akure, the Alara of Ilara-Mokin, the founder of EU, the Chancellor of EU, and the Pro-Chancellor of EU, among others.
