*As Adegunwa, Okunnu, Kola Balogun set for honourary doctorate degree awards
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
“Establishment of the University aimed to foster a holistic approach to education, emphasising not only knowledge and skills but also moral and ethical values.”
The Summit University Offa, Kwara State, has announced the historic maiden combined convocation ceremonies of the institution, which will hold from Wednesday December 6 to Saturday December 9, 2023.
According to programme of events, the maiden convocation combined ceremonies lecture be delivered by Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, after which a ground-breaking ceremonies for colleges in the institution.
The announcement was made by Vice Chancellor of the foremost university, Prof. Abiodun Musa Aibinu, during a virtual press interactive session organised to provide detailed information about the upcoming ceremonies.
Joining the virtual conference were members of the press, captains of industry and top management staff of the institution including the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of the institution, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti.
The DEFENDER reports that Summit University, Offa, since its establishment on 6th of March in 2017, has consistently achieved academic excellence, of which successes are attributable to several factors such as serene and conducive environment, a dedicated and experienced teaching staff, and the rapid development of world-class facilities.
Notably, the University boasts of well-equipped laboratories, a state-of-the-art library with e-facilities, and high-speed internet connectivity.
Highlighting details of the various activities lined up, Prof. Aibinu said the four-day ceremonies would commence on Wednesday December 6, 2023 with a press conference where numerous achievements and future goals will be unveiled.
The press conference event, according the university’s topman, will be followed by a Research Exhibition, which will unfold the Research and Innovation Unit of the University and run concurrently with other events daily until grand finale event that will hold on Saturday, December 9.
On Thursday, December 7, 2023, the Maiden Convocation Lecture, titled “Revitalizing the Nigerian Economy: The Roles and Responsibilities of the Youth in the Digital Economy”, is expected to be delivered by the Executive Governor of State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, who will grace the all-important occasion as Guest Lecturer.
Ground-breaking ceremonies for the Engr. Kola Balogun College of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Engineering, the College of Innovation and Computing Technology, and the College of Post Graduate Studies will follow immediately after the lecture, the vice chancellor said.
Essentially, he said, the lecture day will culminate with the Special Convocation Dinner and Award Night ceremony to be held at the Imperial Event Centre, opposite Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, Nigeria.
“On Friday, the 8th of December, 2023, the event will feature the Commissioning of the New Central Mosque donated by the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria Northern Council, as well as the Investiture of the University’s Chancellor, Alhaji (Dr.) Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, OFR.
“The day will also witness the Conferment of Honourary Doctorate Degrees (Honoris Causa) on Alhaji (Dr.) Sulaiman Adebola Adegunwa, OFR, Alhaji Lateef Okunnu, SAN, and Engineer Moshood Kola Balogun.
“Additionally, the Launching of Summit University, Offa N5 Billion Development Plan and the Ground-breaking Ceremony for the Senate Building will take place.
“The grand finale of the Convocation Ceremony dedicated to the award of Bachelor’s Degrees and prizes to the graduands of the University is set for Saturday, the 9th of December, 2023,” Professor Aibinu highlighted.
Founded by the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria (ADSN), a prominent Islamic-faith based organisation in Africa’s most populous country, Summit University, Offa stands out with the noble objective of providing high-quality tertiary education to all Nigerians regardless of religious beliefs, ethnicity, gender or creed.
This fast growing multi-lingual globalised online newspaper gathered from the press conference address of the vice chancellor that establishment of the University aimed to foster a holistic approach to education, emphasising not only knowledge and skills but also moral and ethical values.
“This vision reflects the institution’s commitment to producing graduates who can stand on their own, become job creators, and are prepared for gainful employment under the “industry-ready graduates” mantra. Additionally, these graduates are expected to remain God-fearing individuals despite prevailing vices in society. As we gather to celebrate this significant milestone, we honour the hard work, dedication, and achievements of individuals in the society and the University at large,” said Prof. Aibinu.
