Vice Chancellor of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) Professor Smaranda Olarinde has disclosed that no fewer than 141 students would bag First class degree during the 11th convocation ceremony of the institution.
The VC who addressed newsmen on Monday ahead of the convocation slated for Saturday, October 21, 2023, also said three prominent Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in their career would be conferred with the institution’s honorary degrees.
Given the breakdown of the graduates, the VC revealed that the graduating students were 1,459 undergraduates across the five colleges and 209 postgraduates of the university.
Olarinde stated that former Secretary General of Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku aside from being one of the honorary awardees with Doctor of Letters, would on Friday, October 20 deliver the convocation lecture titled, ‘Management of Diversity: A Major Challenge in Plurastic Countries.’
According to her, a retired justice of the Supreme Court and current Emir of Lafia, HRH Sidi Bage and the business magnate and Managing Director of BOVAS and Company Limited, Mrs Victoria Adunola Samson would also be decorated with honorary awards at the grand finale on Saturday.
“In strict compliance with the 2012 Keffi declaration, the University’s Council and senate, after a strict, rigorous and thorough as well as merit-based selection process, approved the nominations of the three eminent personalities for the conferment of Honorary Degrees in appreciation of the various ways they have impacted the society,” the VC said.
She said that in the last 13 years establishment of the institution, ABUAD has remained the leading university in learning, research and community service in line with the vision of the founder, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN).
She said, “Over the past decade, Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) has experienced significant growth, a testament to the enduring vision of its Founder, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN).
“This remarkable progress, particularly evident in the 1516% increase in the number of graduating students from 103 in 2013 to 1668 in 2023, underscores the institution’s commitment to excellence. Such an achievement has been possible due to a persistent focus on high educational standards, continuous infrastructural development, and substantial funding investments.
“These concerted efforts have indelibly positioned ABUAD as a citadel of learning, where quality education is not just a goal but a standard that shapes future leaders.
“Cumulatively, the university has graduated 11,310 students, both at First Degree and Postgraduate levels since its maiden Convocation on Sunday, October 21, 2013.”
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