Six eminent Nigerians were awarded honourary doctoral degrees by the Lead City University, Ibadan during the institution’s 15th convocation ceremony on Monday, December 12, 2022.
The convocation was for postgraduates students of the university which followed those for undergraduates that held at the weekend.
Those awarded honourary degrees include popular filmmaker, Mr. Tunde Kelani; an industrialist Basorun Kola Daisi, Prof Alaba Ogunsanwo, Prof Gabriel Falade, Prof Toyin Falola and Chief Omololu Alakija.
Speaking at the occasion, the vice chancellor of the university, Prof Kabiru Adeyemo, admonished the graduands to be good ambassadors of the institution and be agents of change.
Adeyemo said: “Having obtained a postgraduate degree, you are properly positioned and equipped to face the challenge of transforming the society through acquired knowledge and competencies.
“However, the journey might be rough, as you will encounter many new and diverse experiences, hence, I am with upmost confidence that you can tackle each situation and excel with astuteness, and resilience. Be courageous, confident and believe in yourself as you have been adequately prepared with the skills and knowledge you acquired here for the future. Go into the world and be an agent of change you wish to see, take charge and Lead!
“I also charge you to endeavour to galvanize the growth of our national economy with your dynamism and creativity. You are born to be leaders and transform Nigeria and the world into a better place.”
Delivering the convocation lecture entitled ‘Interrogating Japa: Youth and Talent Exodus, National Development in Uncertain Times,’ Dr Charles Akinola charged youths to actively participate in the political process.
“I challenge you to pay more than casual attention to politics. This is because our lives and nation depend on it. Irrespective of whatever sector you play, party politics provides the most significant platform to impact lives on a large scale and in the quickest way possible. Sadly, this is one sector we have practically abandoned to many whose interest, often times, is for their own puerile and selfish end,” he said.
A total of 1306 and 534 students graduated with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees respectively from various faculties in the university.
