The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has expressed hope for Nigeria and its people, urging citizens to always think positively for all-round development.
Doing so, he said, would make Nigeria a better place for all.
Ooni shared this thought and perspective at the 21st convocation ceremony of Babcock University, Ilisan- Remo, Ogun State, on Sunday.
He was the special guest of honour at the event with a total of 2, 480 undergraduate and postgraduate students graduated, and out of whom 136 made First Class honour.
According to the monarch, it is important we always say positive things about our dear country and to one another because there is power in the tongue.
Oba Ogunwusi noted that majority of citizens don’t honour and appreciate what the country had done for them, adding that people should always think about how the current and unborn generations can benefit from them and the country at large.
“So, it is important that we think positively and also say positive things and support one another in a way we can. No one is an island. We all need one another.
“So, you need to support that your gateman, your cook, your driver and humanity generally. That is how we can make our country a better place,” he stressed.
Oba Ogunwusi, however, congratulated the graduands on their new accomplishments, urging them to go forth into the world and make a positive impact and be good ambassadors of their alma mater.
He commended the leadership of Babcock University and other members of staff for their commitment to producing well-rounded graduates year in and out, saying the impact on national development is huge and commendable.
In his remark, the Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr Chris Mayaki, lauded Babcock University for living up to its reputation as one of the best in the country and remaining globally relevant.
Represented by the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Mayaki charged graduands to be advocates of good change and never forget to impact their alma mater in anyway they can.
He explained that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu is prepared to reposition education and provide funds for research to solve problems, hence youths should be inspired for education.
In his address earlier, the PresidentVice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof Ademola Tayo, said the 21st convocation ceremony is unique because it is the first time the university would produce PhD graduates in Nursing, History, Economics and Finance.
He noted that all the graduands at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels have been thoroughly trained and optimistic that they would do well in their various fields.
Meanwhile, a total of 136 students graduated with First Class honour in various disciplines at the event.
A female, Ngozi Phillip, from Guidance and Counselling Education Department graduated as the overall best of the set.
She has a Cumulative Gradient Point Average of 4.95 out of a possible 5.0.
Similarly, a total of 415 postgraduate students graduated with Shola Blessing and Emmanuel Agu, who scored 4.76 and 4.72 led the Masters and PhD classes respectively.
Other dignitaries at the event include the Chancellor of Babcock University, Dr Robert Osei-Bonsu; Liberia’s Minister of Education, Professor Dao Ansu Soni; Founder of Adeleke University, Ede, Dr Adedeji Adeleke, among others.
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