LAUTECH ends 16th convocation as Makinde charges graduands on commitment to humanity
PanNigerianNews
3 min read
By Sunday ADEPOJU
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso has rounded off her 16th convocation and founder’s day ceremonies successfully, with conferment of honourary doctorate degrees on two worthy personalities, Barrister Ahmed Raji and Engr. Yinka Ajao in a colourful atmosphere.
The visitor to the university and governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, and other dignitaries like the Senator representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Sen. Fatai Buhari; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao; Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola; Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi, among members of the Soun-in-Council were in attendance.
Among other dignitaries who graced the event were the former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande; Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Prof. Segun Ajiboye; immediate past Director-General, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Prof. Adesola Adepoju.
LAUTECH made the conferment of the ….today during the event held at The Great Hall, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Makinde, who was represented by the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, congratulated the university and the graduands on the attainment.
He said, “I congratulate you, the graduands and the university as a whole. You’re the number one of the wise men and women in your various communities. It’s an addition to human capital development and you have got the right education here.
“I heard the Pro-Chancellor mention internationalisation of LAUTECH and it is in the agenda of Oyo State Government to ayyain such.”
Makinde said that investment in education is in the blueprint of the present day government, roadmap to sustainable development.
He said innovation, creativity and technology remain the watchword of the state government.
“So, while congratulating you for this accomplishments, you should be very responsible to humanity in Nigeria and the world at large. You can still remain in your comfort zone and continue to add value to the humanity. You have come to one of the best universities in the world and not just in Nigeria,” Makinde.
Barrister Raji, an indigene of Iseyin in Oyo State and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Engr. Ajao, an indigene of Ogbomoso, Oyo State were conferred with honourary doctor of law (honors causa) and honourary doctor of technology (honors causa) respectively.
The honourary awardees were, according to the university, singled out for their contributions to the development of the institution and the society.
This is just as the acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Rasaq Olatunde ROM Kalilu, itemised some achievements of the university and called on the visitor to the university and governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for more funding with a view to adequately handling her increasing capacity and size.
Kalilu said that LAUTECH has made tremendous feats after the last 15th convocation.
He said, “I came on board this administration shortly after the 15th convocation at a time when the university was in dire need of new directions with daunting and enormous challenges that resulted into unstable academic calendar; largely FL deteriorated and agitative workforce; and mistrustful and relative university community.
“Within the committed support of the Governing Council, especially the Chairman, Prof. Ayodeji Omole, the Senate, Management, Staff and students, we introduced innovations and effective leadership with a clear direction that stopped all forms of agitation ans repositioned the university thereby making it peaceful, efficient and internationally visible.”
He explained that the university is rapidly expanding with additional campus in Iseyin, Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo State, establishment of new faculty and departments as well as commencement of more academic programmes, establishment of more Institute and centrescentres.
“We successfully commenced smooth and continual operation of the Iseyin campus without any negative impact on the main campus in Ogbomoso.
“Between the period after the last convocation and now, thirty-one of the university’s academic programmes comprising twenty-nine undergraduate and two postgraduate, were due for the NUC accreditation. The university successfully went through the accreditation process between 22nd October, 2023 and 9th December, 2023.
“This year, we have introduced six additional new degree programmes into Psychology, Mass Communication, Linguistics, Yoruba, Theatre Arts, and Political Science. A Faculty of Law has also been established to run degree programmes in law,” Kalilu stated.
He added that there have been establishment of Institute and centres, an improvement in international collaboration, infrastruvtural development, sports development, staff welfare, among others.
