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THE University of Lagos has conferred West Africa’s first female professor of pharmacy, Professor (Mrs) Cecilia Ihuoma Igwilo, with the ‘Distinguished Professor’ award – one of the university’s highest honours for pedagogical excellence.

Professor Igwilo is one of the four recipients decorated with the prestigious annual award as part of activities marking the grand finale of the institution’s 2016 convocation ceremonies, held recently.

The three other recipients of the award are Professor Babajide Alo, Professor Olukayode Amund and Professor Jim Unah.

The occasion featured the award of postgraduate diplomas, Masters and Doctor of Philosophy degrees to 5,717 graduating students.

Honorary doctoral degrees were also conferred on the chancellor of the university, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, the Shehu of Borno; renowned poet and playwright, Professor John Pepper Clark; and Professor of Chemical Engineering, Ayodele Francis Ogunye.

Igwilo, the former Dean, School of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, is a Professor of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology and fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Pharmacy and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria.

Visitor of the University, President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the executive secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Adamu Rasheed, in his address, said his current administration remained resolute in strengthening university education in the country.

He noted that government had directed the NUC to reinforce its regulatory mechanism in order to ensure greater relevance and competitiveness in the Nigerian university system.

President Buhari regretted the inability of some universities to demonstrate adequate capacity for fund utilisation, as a result of which they are unable to draw fund from TETFund.

In his address at the occasion, the pro-chancellor of the university, Professor Jerry Gana, urged the Federal Government to endeavour to ensure sustainable security and peaceful co-existence among Nigerians.

He noted that peace and stability can only be promoted in the country if government can show courage in correcting “some fundamental defects in our federal system.”

Earlier in an address, the vice chancellor, Professor Rahaman Bello, said that the university awarded diplomas, certificates and degrees to a total of 12,617 students in 2016.