By Emmanuel Edukugho

Westerfield College, Lagos held its first graduation ceremony for the 2010/2011 academic year turning out students in the International University Foundation programme going to pursue various degree courses in Hertfordshire University, UK.

About 13 graduating students who are the first set of Westerfield College products are proceeding to Hertfordshire to study Computer Science, Law, Medical Biology, Pharmaceutical Science, Information Technology, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Marketing, Digital Communication and Mechanical Engineering.

Mr. Michael Dosunmu, Managing Director, in his graduation speech, described them as “our first seed, upon whom our toil and trusts rest,” adding, “just like yesterday, our doors opened to the greater service of humanity and to expand the frontiers of knowledge as well as act as God’s ordained vehicle to build our nation through building the lives of young people.”

He said the college is glad to release into the higher plane all students of our first year and trust God that they will keep the flag flying.

Calling the graduating students Ex-Wests Dosunmu reminded them not to forget the tripod mantra on which Westerfield College stands – knowledge, innovation and service.

1st Graduation Ceremony of Westerfield College lagos was held at the School Premises Yaba Lagos Pix Shows the Graduating Students in Procession Photo By Diran Oshe

“Demonstrate the high level of knowledge which you have acquired as this is the only worthy appreciation you can truly give your parents. Be innovative in all dealings and creatively solve problems in your everyday life; service is the key to impact in your family, community and world,” he said.

Mr. Olaniyi Ojo, Principal, Westerfield College, in his address said all the graduating students have spent a complete, good and profitable academic years in the school.

“The unconditional offer for your various degree programme at the University of Hertfordshire is what we promised you on successful completion of your International Foundation programme. I urge you to make good use of this opportunity to improve your academic performance and graduate with the best grades so as to stand a good chance in the ever so competitive world.”

He told them that on completion of their course to return home to contribute their quota to the development of the country.

Describing the college as a family institution of learning, “class sizes are small and every student is treated on individual basis as we strongly believe in individual differences,” he revealed a deviation from the orthodox and regimental rules of running boarding houses.

Parents are allowed to visit the college at stipulated time to ask about their children’s progress.

The programme ran for two semesters of 16 weeks – the first is called winter semester while the second is summer.

Two of the graduating students were outstanding – Eyong Ntongha Grace and Sule Oluwatoyin Sefinant. Both were offered partial scholarships after competing with 2000 students from 80 countries out of which only 100 are to be given scholarships.

One of the students, Miss Amadi Nneka, said studying in the college was an experience that will linger in her mind for a long time as the road was both smooth and rocky.

“Westerfield College is like a transit to achieving my dreams which is to become a lawyer and studying in the UK. I believe this will be achieved in due season.”

Another Obinna Nwawuike, said his desire was always to study in the United Kingdom. “My experience has been fantastic between January and now (July) both in school and at the hostel. I met new people made new friends, both students and members of staff and we all bonded like one big family.”