By Emmanuel Edukugho

GOVERNOR Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State stole the show at the 27th convocation ceremony of Yaba College of Technology as traditional dancers displayed magnificently to the applause of the massive audience as he was conferred with honorary fellowship of the college.

Also honoured with fellowship awards were Hon Lawan Farouk, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Education and a former governor of Lagos State, Sir Michael Otedola who was represented at the ceremony.

The college presented a total of 5,747 graduands being the combined number of the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 sessions broken down as 2004 and 3,753 respectively.

The Rector, Dr (Mrs) Margaret Kudi Ladipo, said the convocation is unique for her because it is her first convocation as Rector of the institution: she has spent just two years in office.

“At inception of the present administration, we realized, the need to articulate, harness and consolidate the gains of the past, in order to prepare the college to brave the challenges of the 21st century, as an emerging contemporary institution of higher learning in the global arena.”

She added that, “this consolidation initiative was intended to re-position the college for transformational growth and it was founded on the indices of Academic and infrastructural development amongst others.”

In their responses after the award, both Governor Akpabio and Hon Farouk said the future of Nigeria lies on education, security, harmonious relationship and total unity of the people.

That education is key to progress, peaceful existence and national security.

“Education remains a priority for all of us and we have the responsibility to nurture our nation to greater heights,” Farouk said.

On the other hand, Governor Akpabio said he was proud to be with Lawan Farouk and Sir Otedola in the fellowship award.

“I received this honour in my belief that Yaba College of Technology, gave birth to all the Nigerian universities. The pioneer students of University of Ibadan came from Yaba College of Technology.”

He said that his friends who accompanied him to the convocation ceremony including Mr. Ben Bruce have given N25 million to support the college. His government is planning to do something also to assist the institution.

Among those present were His Royal Highness, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, Erelu Dosunmu, representative of Oba Rilwan Babatunde Aremu Akiolu 1, Oba of Lagos, the speaker of Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, other top functionaries of Akwa Ibom Government, Mr. Ben Bruce, Chairman of Silverbird Group, a representative of former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Lagos State Commissioner for Education, other traditional rulers from Lagos State.