As a result of the Coronavirus Pandemic in the country, Babcock University, Ilesan-Remo, in Ogun State yesterday opted to hold its maiden virtual convocation ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ademola Tayo, described the virtual convocation as an epoch making event and a defining moment for the University.
The event which saw graduating students (wearing their academic gowns), thier parents and well wishers joined from their various homes was the first of its kind since the establishment of the University.
Prof. Tayo in his statement, congratulated the students and the university community for their immense contributions toward the achievements recorded by the institution.
The Vice Chancellor added that Babcock had no choice but to tap into technology to see the academic session through.
“In spite of the current gloom, anxiety and apprehension of what becomes of our world and living conditions after and in the face of the global health crisis and economic meltdown occasioned by the COVID -19 P andemic, you never gave up.
“You took your examinations against all odds and stood up for integrity. This resilient spirit enables us to set standards, create our own unique paths, carve out our niches, think outside the box and hit the ground prepared.
“It made us prepared to keep our promise not to keep you one day longer than necessary. Indeed, you have been built not only to last but to swiftly adapt to changing situations.”
He also highlighted the achievement made so far by the university in the past years, which include the funding of more than 18 research works.
Prof. Tayo hinted that, Dr. Ezekiel Chibundu and Dr. Emeka Okoro of the institution were ranked among the top 100 Nigerian authors in a ranking recently released of the “Top 500 Nigerian authors for year 2019.
The University graduated 2, 169 students, comprising 1,686 undergraduates and 483 post-graduates out of which made first class.
Meanwhile, the Department of Christain Religious Studies in the School of Education and Humanities produced the overall Best Student, in the person of Olayemi Oluwaseyi with a CGPA of 4.92.
Bacbcok University has its roots in the Adventist College of West Africa (ACWA), established on September 17, 1959 with an initial intake of seven ministerial students.
