PanNigerianNews 
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, on Monday, graduated a total of 8,533 students at the first degree category, as 153 of the number made first class classification upon completion of their various programmes.
LAUTECH, the best state university and best university of technology in Nigeria, will, tomorrow, hold a similar event for graduands in the postgraduate category and celebrate the founder’s day which will also culminate in the conferment of honourary doctorate degrees to individuals for their exemplary contribution to the institution and the country.
In his address at the ceremony held at the institution’s The Great Hall, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rasaq Olatunde ROM Kalilu, who applauded the contribution of the visitor to the university and Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, said that LAUTECH is reputed for her dynamic academic programmes.
“The university continued to run its dynamic academic programmes. Graduands of today are products of two separate sessions. Due to instability in the cademic calendar experienced prior to the 15th Convocation last year, there 4,569 spill-over graduating students of the 2021-2022.
“The graduates are being presented alongside those graduands of the 2022-2023 session. A total of 8,533 first degrees will be awarded to graduands on Monday. Of this figure, 153 graduands are in the first class category, 2,057 of them in the second class upper category, 2,762 graduands in the second class lower category, 828 in the third class category and 33 in pass category.
“For the degree in Medicine and Surgery, there are graduands in the pass category while for the degree in Nursing Science, there are 1,545 graduands with credit pass and 154 graduands in pass category. It is noteworthy that Mr Oladoja Israel Ololade who is graduating with a CGPA of 4.86 from the Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology is the overall best graduating student,” Kalilu stated.
He noted that journey of the graduands was laced with diverse challenging and intriguing experiences, saying: “It is noteworthy that those who graduated from this university are hard nuts that did not crack under presssor. I therefore congratulate you and your parents and guardians on attainment of this feat.
“You have been equipped with knowledge and skills to surmount life challenges but take note that the gem cannot be polished without friction. May you encounter frictions that will polish your gem as you go into the labour market.”
Speaking at the event, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Ayodeji Omole, while congratulating the graduands, also charged them to be good ambassadors of the university in any capacity they find themselves.
Omole said, “As you stand on the threshold of the future, remember that your time at LAUTECH has equipped you with more than just knowledge. It has instilled in you the values of integrity, service, innovation and compassion.
“These values will serve as your guiding light as you navigate the complexities of the world beyond these walls. Today, we not only celebrate your individual achievements but also the collective impact you will undoubtedly make on society.
“As you receive your degrees, remember that you are not just graduates of LAUTECH but ambassadors of knowledge, integrity, excellence, service and progress, all that your university stands for. Carry the torch of learning with pride and let your actions speak volume about the caliber of education you have received.
“I will like to express my sincere gratitude to the Oyo State Governor and Visitor to the University, Engr. Seyi Makinde. For giving me and other members of the Governing Council to serve in an environment devoid of intimidation or coercion.”
Omole, therefore, solicited more financial supports from Governor Makinde.
Meanwhile, the overall best graduating at the 16th convocation, Mr Ololade Israel Oladoja of the Department of Chemical Engineering, with a CGPA of 4.8 said that dedication and focus helped him in attaining the feat.
“I am very delighted to have had the grace of being the overall best graduating student for 16th convocation. I thanked those who have presented various awards to me. And this will actually serve as motivation for other present students to be very serious with their academics. God was at the centre of it all.
“The truth of the matter is that I did not really target anything towards emerging as the overall best student. At 100 level, only thought towards graduating with a first class, not actually being the overall best student. In 100 level, my result was 4.7 and still lower than other students’ who were also on first class. I don’t like studying at night. I studied around from 8p.m. to 12a.m so that I could wake up 4a.m. again start reading again. So, I can say I read for about 7 hours.“My word for the present students is that they should work towards their goals in order to achieve their potential,” Oladoja submitted.
