Kwara: 16 bag first class as TAU holds second convocation

Thomas Adewumi University (TAU), Oko-Irese in the Irepodun local government area of Kwara state, has produced 16 First Class graduates among the overall 63 graduates during its second convocation ceremony.

Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Francisca Onaolapo Oladipo, said that among the 63 graduates, 40 are in Second Class Upper Division, and 7 in Second Class Lower Division from four Faculties and 11 academic programmes.

The VC, who reaffirmed the commitment of the institution to strengthening quality education, innovation, and globally competitive learning, said that, “These results reflect the quality of training and mentorship provided at Thomas Adewumi University, and we are proud to contribute these innovators to both the Nigerian and global workforce, confident that they will make a meaningful impact”.

Professor Oladipo also said that TAU is living up to its ranking as the fastest growing institution in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine, and Innovation (STEM-i) ecosystem by surpassing more than 100 per cent in its number of graduating students at the second convocation, with only 26 graduates in the first convocation.

“TAU emerged on April 8, 2021, as Nigeria’s fastest-growing Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine

and Innovations (STEM-i) ecosystem. Today, we rank first among the 20 private universities that were licensed in 2021, fourth among the 14 universities in Kwara state, fifth among Nigeria’s over 170 private universities and 50th nationally.

“This 142% increase in our graduating class is not merely a statistic to be recorded in annual reports; it is a declaration that Thomas Adewumi University has transcended the realm of promise and entered the domain of proof.

“We have moved from potential to performance, from aspiration to achievement, from vision to velocity.

”Preparing Globally Competitive Graduates, these 63 graduands are not merely degree holders, they are comprehensively prepared global professionals equipped with exceptional advantages that set them apart from their peers nationwide. Through our international partnerships, these graduates have obtained additional microcredentials from MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, Berkeley, and Yale, world-class certifications from Alison, UK, RUDN Professional University, Russia, World Bank’s Saylor Academy, Google, ICAN, and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development initiatives in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.

“Our Coursera collaboration provided them with additional industry certifications, while partnerships with Microsoft, IBM SkillsBuild, and MIT OpenCourseWare through our Global Campus initiative democratize access to cutting-edge knowledge. They are thus fully equipped to embark on meaningful and innovative careers in today’s technology-driven world.”

Earlier in his convocation lecture, titled “Crowdfunding Opportunities for Startups: Equipping Nigerian graduates for a Sustainable Future”, Dr Bayo Williams Olugbemi charged the graduands on the mindset of job creation, saying, “as a graduate, your future is not defined by what Nigeria gives you, but by what you create. The idea of crowdfunding is the idea of hope. It is proof that when people come together, ideas once impossible become achievable.

“I urge you not to think only about searching for jobs. Instead, think about creating value, and if capital is a barrier, remember: “The crowd can be your first investor.”

Also in his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the National University Commission, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, represented by Esther I. Eyo, Esq commended the resilience of TAU management said “NUC acknowledges TAU sustained progress in advancing quality teaching, impactful research, innovation, and community engagement, all of which align with our national aspiration for a globally competitive and knowledge-driven university system.

“It would interest you to know that, in the accreditation exercise conducted in 2023, Thomas Adewumi University achieved a 100% Full Accreditation status across all

programmes assessed a laudable feat that reflects the University’s strong

commitment to maintaining high academic standards.”

Also, in his goodwill message to the graduating students, the Founder/Chancellor of the institution, Dr. (Engineer) Johnson Adewumi, urged them to be a good ambassador of the university, saying, “Remember that your degree is not an end but a beginning, go forth with courage, humility, and a sense of responsibility. Strive to illuminate whatever space you occupy with the light of integrity, excellence and service.”

The event witnessed the conferment of an honorary doctorate degree on two distinguished personalities, Engr. Oluseyi Afolabi and Pastor Oladokun Olatunde.

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