Iwo (Osun) – The Bowen University, Iwo, Osun, on
Saturday awarded first class degrees to 81
graduating students at its 12th convocation.
The institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mattews Ojo,
stated this while delivering his convocation speech at
the university’s premises in Iwo.
Ojo said 96 graduating students were awarded with
second class upper degrees, 382 with second class
lower degrees, while 136 were awarded with third
class degrees.
He added that 15 were awarded with MBBS Degrees
and 29 awarded with Master Degrees.
Ojo urged the graduating students to be focused and
to be good ambassadors of the university wherever
they found themselves.
‘‘Equally important, do not dwell anymore on the
grades attained in the courses in the university but
focus your attention on the knowledge gained, skills
acquired and character that has been moulded.
‘‘No doubt, Bowen University has prepared you for
leadership. Indeed, our nations, at this time, needs
people like you that will make a positive difference,’’
Ojo said.
Earlier, the Chancellor of the university, Dr Olumide
Kehinde, urged the new graduates to create new
opportunities for themselves through self-
employment.
Also, the Pro-Chancello of the university, Mr Oluwole
Abegunde, urged the new graduates to be focused
and be agents of positive change in the society.
In his remarks, Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, represented by
his deputy, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori, urged private
universities to engage in research and development,
saying these were critical intellectual needs for
society’s growth.
In his exhortation, the President, Christian
Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Baptist Convention,
Rev. Samson Ayokunle, urged the new graduates to
empower themselves to make them relevant in the
country.
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Federal Civil Service
Commission, Mrs Joan Ayo, said that the Federal
Character Principle, if properly implemented, would
ensure effective service delivery in the country.
Ayo said this while delivering the 12th Convocation
Lecture of the university with the theme:
“Governance, Service Delivery and Development in
Nigeria since Independence.’’
“It is my firm conviction that if properly implemented,
the principle will ensure authentic development in
Nigeria.
“It will douse the numerous agitations that,
unfortunately, we are accustomed to. It will remove
the cliché of marginalisation, reduce the tension in
the country and promote peace,” she said.
Ayo, however, debunked insinuations that the Federal
Character Principle sacrifices meritocracy for
mediocrity in order to accommodate everybody in the
country.
‘‘In practice, Federal Character Principle ensures
picking out the best from each Local Government or
Senatorial District or Zone, as applicable.’’ she said.
(NAN)
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