Ekiti State Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Professor Mobolaji Ebenezer Aluko, has urged the 281 graduating students of McPherson University, Serirki Sotayo, Ogun, to see themselves as Nigeria’s problem solvers despite government misadventures.
Professor Aluko, the pioneer vice chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, said this on Friday while delivering the convocation lecture at McPherson University’s eighth and ninth combined convocation ceremonies.
In his lecture titled ‘A nation in transition: Managing the yearnings of its restless youth’, Professor Aluko stated that Nigeria is in economic, sociological, political, and technological transition. However, he added that the ensuing restlessness can be managed by addressing those challenges head-on in a manner that turns them into opportunities.
The convocation lecturer enjoined the graduating students to get on with the tasks that must be done and also to find heroes and heroes from within and without Nigeria that they can emulate.
“Above all, keep the faith with which you have been imbued at McPherson University,” admonished the graduating students,
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Francis Igbasan, told the graduating students that though they have graduated, it is the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities.
He further told the graduands that the world demands excellence and that they should rise up to it and distinguish themselves through integrity, diligence, and purpose.
“Uphold the values instilled in you and let them guide all your endeavours. Our reputation is now in your hands. Guide it with pride and honour,” Vice Chancellor Igbasan charged the graduands.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university, Reverend Dr Babatunde Idowu, addressed the graduating students as ambassadors of the university who had been trained to face the challenges ahead with courage and determination.
Pro-Chancellor Idowu admonished the graduands not to forget the university and to contribute to the university that has now become a part of their story, adding, “As you move forward, carry the McPherson legacy with pride, and continue to strive for excellence in all that you do.”
The General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria and the Visitor of the university, Reverend Dr Sam Aboyeji, told the graduating students that the end of their academic journey at the university is the beginning of an exciting chapter in their lives.
The Visitor also told them that the world needs their talents, skills, and passion, and that they should go out there in the society and make a difference as champions.
“To all other students of McPherson University, the events of today should be an encouragement to you ─ for you to pursue your vision and dreams with vigour and focus so that you too will be celebrated when the time comes,” the Visitor added.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, for the eighth and ninth combined convocation ceremonies of McPherson University, a total of 281 students graduated, and the spread is as follows: 24 first class, 116 second class upper division, 65 second class lower division, and 13 third class. The Vice-Chancellor revealed that the university is graduating its postgraduate students for the first this year.
The valedictorian for the 2022/2023 graduating set of the university was Praise Esther Adeyemi from the Department of Accounting, while the valedictorian for the 2023/2024 graduating set was Adeola Elizabeth Shobowale from the Department of Microbiology.
