The 52nd Convocation Ceremony of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, which is underway as at 1PM is topnotch as it is an assemblage of the “creme de la crème” in the Nigerian society.
But on the other hand, it has brought sadness and regret to thousands of guests who came from far and near on the invitation of their graduating family members,as they cannot gain access into the event hall due to population explosion.
After struggling in futility to squeeze themselves into the building through various openings on the ground floor, the anxious guests went upstairs to try their luck on the instructions of the guards; yet did not succeed. Some of them were seen grumbling and futious, faulting the decision by the school authority to hold the occasion in a hall instead of an open space that would accommodate a lot of people.
“In other schools, events of this nature are held in open space to accommodate more people. Why should it be held inside that can’t only taKe a limited number of people? Yet, they invited thousands of guests. This is wrong”, complained an angry guest whose child is among the graduands.
However, a giant television was mounted outside where people who could not go inside are watching the proceedings.
Meanwhile, it was a cheering atmosphere as it was announced that UNILAG, would soon start assembling cars, being a product of the huge investment of the school in innovation, research, and entrepreneurship.
The UNILAG Vice-Chancellor , VC, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe who announced this said the university has also developed a ventilator that can serve all parts of the country, including rural areas since it is powered by solar.
Professor Ogundipe noted that the ventilator is undergoing clinical trial under the watch of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu.
In what is supposed to be his last convocation speech as UNILAG VC, Professor Ogundipe stated that the university has in recent times witnessed tremendous progress in every aspect especially infrastructural development, collaborations with other institutions, expansion of hostels for indigent students, and provision of entrepreneurial grants to students to get them financially capable while still in school.
He said following the investments, the school has improved in global ranking and repositioned as the number one choice among admission seekers in the country.
Professor Ogundipo seized the opportunity to thank President Buhari for standing firm to support the university in turbulent times, as he also appreciated other benefactors of the school, locally and internationally.
Over twelve thousand graduands received awards of postgraduate, diploma, Masters Degrees, and PHD Degrees.
Miss Chinyere Omodu from the Department of Mathematics emerged as the overall best in the school of postgraduate studies.
President Buhari and the Minister of Education are being represented at the occasion.
