A former Secretary General of Commonwealth of Nations, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, is to deliver the 11th convocation lecture of the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD).
Chief Anyaoku, who will also receive the Honorary Award of Doctor of Letters alongside other prominent Nigerians, would deliver the lecture titled: ‘Management of Diversity A Major Challenge in Pluralistic Countries’ on Friday, October 20, 2023.
Addressing the pre-convocation press conference, heralding the activities lined up for the convocation on Monday, the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, said a retired Justice of the Supreme Court and current Emir of Lafia, HRH Sidi Bage, and Managing Director of BOVAS Company Limited, Mrs Victoria Adunola Samson are other honorary awardees to be decorated on Saturday, October 21.
Professor Smaranda, who disclosed that 141 students would bag First Class degrees during the convocation ceremony, said the trio were considered for the honourary awards for distinguishing themselves in their careers.
The breakdown of the graduands, according the VC, showed that 1,459 students would graduate with first class degrees across the five colleges of the institution and 209 students for post-graduate degrees
“In strict compliance with the 2012 Keffi Declaration, the University’s Council and Senate, after a strict, rigorous and thorough as well as merit-based selection process, approved the nominations of the three eminent personalities for the conferment of Honorary Degrees in appreciation of the various ways they have impacted the society,” the VC stated.
She added that the private university in the last 13 years of its existence remained the leading university in learning, research and community service in line with the vision of the founder, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN.
According to her, “Over the past decade, Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) has experienced significant growth, a testament to the enduring vision of its Founder, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN.
“This remarkable progress, particularly evident in the 1516% increase in the number of graduating students from 103 in 2013 to 1668 in 2023, underscore the institution’s commitment to excellence. Such an achievement has been possible due to a persistent focus on high educational standards, continuous infrastructural development, and substantial funding investments.
“These concerted efforts have indelibly positioned ABUAD as a citadel of learning, where quality education is not just a goal but a standard that shapes future leaders.
“Cumulatively, the university has graduated 11,310 students, both at First Degree and Postgraduate levels since its maiden Convocation on Sunday, October 21, 2013.”
