Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo State, at its 8th convocation ceremony will confer honorary doctorate degrees on a former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and four others.

Prof. Dapo Asaju, the Vice-Chancellor, said this at a news conference in Oyo on Tuesday.

Gen. Gowon

Asaju  listed the  other awardees as  Emeritus Prof. Olu Akinkungbe, Chief (Mrs) Folorunsho Alakija, Dr Oba Otudeko and retired Justice Timothy Oyeyipo of Kwara State.

He explained that the recipients were carefully picked on the basis of  their contributions to the institution, the nation and humanity in general.

Asaju said that the convocation ceremony, scheduled to hold on Nov. 30, would feature the award of First degrees to 319 students and the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees.

“Of these students, 16 graduated with first class honours, 66 in second class upper division, 126 in second class lower division and 111 in third class division.”

He said that the institution had adopted the top-up programme for students who graduated with third class from the institution to be re-admitted to make better grades.

Asaju stated that the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) had also approved the institution’s post-graduate school while enumerating the giant strides recorded by the institution.

He said that the institution would in 2017, establish its faculties of Environmental Sciences, Engineering and Agriculture, while the Faculty of Medicine would start in 2018 at the permanent site.

According to him, the convocation programme includes a medical outreach to Akesan Market, Nov. 25, Holy Communion and Thanksgiving Service on Nov. 27 and the Alumni Lecture entitled “Ajayi Crowther University Brand: The Impact Pathway” on Nov. 28

A former Alumnus of the institution, Mr Olaoluwa Olotu, is expected to deliver the Alumni Lecture while the convocation lecture entitled “Go the Extra Mile”, would be delivered by Dr (Mrs) Folorunsho Alakija on Nov. 29.

He further said that a convocation play entitled “Murder in the Cathedral” written by T.S. Elliot would directed by Bode Sowande same evening. (NAN)