…..as 54 bag first class, 15 doctoral degrees

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta

Graduands of Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, have been
charged to optimise their God-given potential in making a global difference, in their chosen careers.

Bro. Gbile Akanni, Overseer of the Living Seed Ministry, Gboko, made the call while delivering the 14th Convocation lecture of the Caleb University.

Akanni urged the graduands to be intentional to focus on optimising and making a global impact and difference in their generation as trailblazers; pioneers who set the pace and break barriers.

The guest lecturer, who is Convener of the Annual Ministers’ Leadership Retreat (MLR) attended by over 15,000 leaders globally, and is the founder of “Faith Seed”, urged the graduates to expect disappointment, as the growth of those who have not faced affliction is superficial.

He counselled that people who made it in life are always persistent and not discouraged by setbacks.

“As trailblazers, you are leaders who summon followership with inspirations. We are raising men that will be another ‘Caleb’.”

“We are expecting visionary youths, a rod of God’s strength. We don’t want you all to be a reed that has no direction in life. Act on His word. Seek the Lord first. Your potential is hidden in your inner mind. Only when it is kindled that you can be called forth. Keep fanning the flames. Don’t lose your fire or throw away the lessons you learnt after school,” he counselled.

According to a release signed by Olawale Adekoya, Information, Media and Publication Specialist, the 14th Convocation ceremony produced 54 first class bachelor degree holders.

The breakdown reveals that 527 made the 2nd Class Upper Division, while 503 bagged the 2nd Class Lower Division.

The class of higher degrees featured 15 PhD (Doctorate) graduands, up from the first set of 9 produced at the last Convocation.
There were 29 distinctions at other postgraduate levels.

Miss Joy Nmachukwu Ahiakwo, who with a CGPA of 4.98 in Industrial Chemistry, emerged as the overall best graduate at the undergraduate level.

She said that it took her ten years to realise her dream of getting a first degree.

The duo of Oladele Adenubi and Yinusa Bamimore emerged as the joint overall best graduating students at the postgraduate level, both with a perfect CGPA of 5.0 in Computer Science.

Dr Akinjide Akinlabi, the University Deputy Bursar who received a PhD. in Accounting, was the overall best graduating PhD student.

In his speech, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nosa Owens-Ibie extolled the virtues of the graduating set of trailblazers.

He stated that the Department of Architecture broke records by producing eight out of the 15 PhDs, a feat that is unprecedented in the Nigerian University system, adding that this is going to be his last convocation as the Vice-Chancellor of the University.

The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba (Engr.) Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, as well as Oba Mudashiru Ajibade Bakare-Agoro, the Ranodu of Imota, were conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) in Business Administration

Caleb University’s 14th convocation ceremony came to a close on Tuesday, January 21st, coinciding with the institution’s founder’s day.

The week-long event, that commenced on Wednesday, January 15th, featured a diverse range of activities including a prayer forum, which set the tone; a PhD hooding ceremony, honoring the academic achievements of doctoral graduates; and the maiden alumni trade fair, which provided a platform for former student entrepreneurs and business leaders to connect and showcase their products.

The 14th convocation ceremony marked another milestone in Caleb university’s history, celebrating academic excellence, innovation, and community spirit.