OAU graduates 6,255; 109 bag first class

A student of Electronic and Electrical Engineering emerged as the best overall student of the 2018/2019 set with a 4.89 GPA and got nine prizes.

News Agency of Nigeria • December 10, 2021

OAU graduates

A total of 6,255 students graduated from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, out of which 109 bagged a first-class at all levels of academic degrees.

The vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, made this known in his address at the 45th Convocation Ceremony of the university held on Friday.

Mr Ogunbodede welcomed visitors, the university governing council led by the pro-chancellor, Owelle Udoji, and congratulated parents, guardians of the graduands.

The occasion also coincides with the activities marking the 60th anniversary of the university.

He charged the graduands to positively impact the various sectors of the Nigerian economy and help in resolving the challenges facing the nation as they step to the next phase in their lives and careers.

Mr Ogunbodede reminded them that they were not trained only for the Nigerian environment, but to also function effectively anywhere in the world as ambassadors of ”Great Ife.”

He revealed that 4,643 graduands bagged bachelor degrees (classified) from 13 faculties, while bachelor degrees (unclassified) were 561.

According to him, this is in addition to 903 post-graduate degrees and 146 non-degree diplomas.

Mr Ogunbodede stated that the university had achieved rapid growth and development particularly in the areas of academic programmes, research, infrastructural and human resources development.

He lamented that despite modest achievements, funding had been a major challenge to the university, saying that government subvention had been grossly inadequate for its running.

However, the VC commended TETFund, the university alumni association and friends who had been of great assistance in supporting its various projects and programmes.

He pledged to prioritise modern technology in the implementation of the university’s objectives to take it to higher levels with the support of all stakeholders.

A student of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Faculty of Technology, Ohanekwu Favour Ebuka, emerged as the best overall student of the 2018/2019 set with a 4.89 GPA and got nine prizes.

The grand finale of the convocation will commence on Saturday.