Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, is set to hold its 16th Convocation Ceremony to graduate 2,679 graduands in a week-long event to celebrate academic accomplishments and institutional milestones.
Addressing a press conference at the Welcome Center of the University on Monday, November 25, 2024, Vice-Chancellor Professor Timothy Adebayo outlined the University’s achievements and future plans, emphasizing a continued commitment to raising godly intellectuals while also congratulating graduating students on their achievements.
Professor Adebayo, who commended the students for their hard work and resilience, also thanked parents, guardians and sponsors for their support, and acknowledged the dedication and commitment of the university’s faculties and staff members.
“Among them, 86 will receive First Class Honours, 1,230 will be awarded Second Class Honours (Upper), 560 will receive Second Class Honours (Lower), and 61 will graduate with Third-Class degrees. Additionally, 742 individuals will be awarded postgraduate degrees, including 77 who will earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. The ceremony will also feature the conferment of honorary doctorates on two distinguished individuals, Reverend Bola Adams and Mr. Modupe Alakija, OON.” He stated.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the university’s academic developments, including the accreditation of all its programmes by the National Universities Commission (NUC).
Professor Adebayo also announced the introduction of new programmes, including a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education.
“Again, we are resolute to add to the number of programmes on offer in our university. To this end, we have submitted proposals to the NUC to start the following programmes:
B.sc in Urban and Regional Planning.
MSc and PhD in Political Science.
PhD in Industrial Chemistry.
MIS and PhD in Library and Information Science.
M.sc and PhD in Physics.
M.sc and PhD in Mathematics.
M.sc and PhD in Statistics.
M.ED and PhD in Educational Technology.
M.ED and PhD in Educational Foundation.
M.ED and PhD in Science Education.” The VC stated.
According to Professor Adebayo, the university has also been granted approval to establish an Open Distance Learning (ODL) Centre, which will increase access to education for those who may find it difficult to attend conventional university.
Professor Adebayo also highlighted the university’s research grants and entrepreneurial engagements, including vocational training in areas such as electrical works, auto mechanics, and fashion design.
He also acknowledged the exemplary performance of some of the students of the university.
“I am happy to acknowledge the exemplary performance of our students. As part of our academic developments and successes, I wish to affirm that our students are equipped to compare and compete favourably with their peers elsewhere. They are endowed with the right levels of knowledge that can propel them to function practically and professionally in the outside world. In line with this fact, I am happy to acknowledge the exemplary performances of some of our students:
“A team of Seven students in the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies won the first prize in the Advertising Pitch-a-thon Competition, that held in the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. They outshined participants from other popular public universities to clinch the first position. The team won cash prizes awarded by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON). The students are: Babafemi Olaleye, Lekuti Oyinkan, Oladosu Godwin, Samuel Marvelous, Idowu Oluwasomidotun, Siyanbade Titilayo and Oyelami Omoyimika.
“Four students, namely: Iroju Eniola Christiana, Ekundayo Olabisi Victoria, Oluwaseye Ayodeji Edema, and Tolulope Oreoluwa Ariwajoye graduated from the Law School with First Class.
“Two graduating students in the 2023/24 academic year, from the Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, received awards of excellence from the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationist. They are: Olowa Folakemi Damilola and Olakanye Oluwakemi Ibukunoluwa
Six of our students, one in the Department of Economics, and the other five, in the Department of Accounting and Finance have excelled in the final examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). Consequently, they are now Chartered Accountants. They are: Olunloye Smith Christian, Opeyemi Fisayo Falana Ogunseye Fisayo Falana, Joseph Solatan, Ogunjobi Glory and Olorunkunola Ayomide Abosede Okeleye Babafemi of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies won the Pitchers Festival Competition which qualified him to attend the Roger Hatchuel Student Academy in France. Consequent upon his outstanding participation in France, the government of Saudi Arabia has invited him to work for them.” Said the Vice Chancellor.
The Vice Chancellor acknowledged the university’s needs, including the construction of new faculty buildings and the endowment of professorial chairs.
Fielding questions from journalists, Professor Adebayo said the university has beefed up security within and around the university through collaboration with security agencies to ensure 24-hour safety of lives and property of both students and staff members.
He reiterated that the university’s grant and scholarship programmes are based on merit and good manners and reputation of the beneficiaries.
The Vice Chancellor used the opportunity to announce his plan to get commercial license for ACU Radio, but stressing the the primary purpose of the university radio is to train students of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies and other interested students.
Adebayo expressed his gratitude to the university’s Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Dr. Olutoyin Okeowo, for his support and generosity.
The Vice Chancellor also commended the university’s researchers for their work, particularly in the area of bioethics.
Adebayo emphasized the importance of knowledge, probity, and service to humanity, and encouraged the graduating students to continue to excel in their future endeavors.
The press conference was attended by dignitaries, including the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Professor Benjamin Olumuyiwa Popoola, and the Registrar, Dr. Jadesola Babatola.
The convocation ceremony will take place over several days and will feature a convocation lecture, a convocation play, and the award of degrees and honorary degrees.
Adebayo encouraged the public to attend the ceremony and to support the university’s efforts to provide quality education.
The Vice Chancellor also acknowledged the support of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the university’s proprietor, the Supra Diocesan Board (West).
Overall, the press conference highlighted the university’s achievements and its commitment to excellence in education.
The university’s convocation ceremony promises to be a memorable occasion, and Adebayo’s speech has set the tone for a celebratory and inspiring event.