The Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ogun State, is set to graduate its first set of 67 PhD students at its 16th convocation ceremony.
This was disclosed by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Oluwole Banjo, on Friday during a pre-convocation press conference.
He also announced that among the institution’s completed projects billed for commissioning by the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is an Independent Power Plant, the first of its kind in any public university in the southwest.
Highlighting the activities lined up for the one-week event, Professor Banjo said there would be an exhibition of artworks by the Creative Arts Department of the university, and that this year’s edition would be hosting a distinguished and world-renowned art collector, Prince Oluyemisi Shyllon.
There will also be a convocation drama entitled ‘Ajagun nla’, scheduled for Monday November 25, 2024.
Other activities include a volleyball competition, vice chancellor football final (also slated for Monday); Health Walk, Tuesday; and alumni cocktail slated for Wednesday, November 27.
“The 16th convocation ceremony is exceptional as will witness the admission of a total of 4,140 graduands into first degrees, among whom 25 achieved first class honours,” he said.
According to Professor Banjo, four will be graduating with M.Phil, 275 with master’s degree, 27 with PGDE (postgraduate diploma in education) and 28 with PGD (postgraduate diploma) in other fields.
Among those to graduate with a PhD at this year’s convocation is a retired colonel in the Nigerian Army, and an 85-year-old man, who is graduating in Educational Management.
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Banjo also announced that four distinguished personalities would be conferred with the honorary doctorate of the university.
These are Dr Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, the chief executive of SIFAS Group of Companies; Prince Oluyemisi Adedoyin Shyllon, world renowned art collector; Otunba Jaiyeola Wasiu, and Engineer Jubril Dotun Sanusi.
The Convocation Lecture entitled ‘From Classroom to Cloud: Leveraging Digital Literacy for National Development ‘ will be delivered by the Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani.
Other projects slated for commissioning by the university, aside from the independent power plant, are the newly built self-sponsored University Health Centre, and the Science Laboratory Complex.
Professor Banjo, who noted that this year’s convocation would be his valedictory edition as TASUED VC, also spoke about a proposal to expand the name of the university to Tai Solarin University of Education, Science and Technology.
This proposal, he however said, is subject to approval by the governor and the state assembly.
Having listed some of the achievements of the university since he assumed duties as VC, Professor Banjo expressed the hope that his successor would “build on the great foundation that has been laid.”
He also thanked the Ogun State government for the opportunity to serve.
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