Registrar, Wesley University Ondo, Mrs. Ibijoke Yankey; Guest Speaker, Registrar, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University (Formerly Federal University of Agriculture), Makurdi, Benue State, Dr. John Ujo David; Vice Chancellor , Wesley University Ondo, Rt. Rev. Prof. Samuel Sunday Obeka; Bursar , Wesley University Ondo, Mr. Olasoji Kolawole; and Liberian, Wesley University Ondo, Mrs. Yemi Nwokeji, at the Wesley University Ondo Convocation lecture in Ondo State, recently. Credit: Wesley University.
Wesley University Ondo, located in Ondo State, celebrated its 11th & 12th convocation ceremony, witnessing the graduation of 348 students, including an impressive count of 38 First Class graduates.
During the event, the university conferred fellowships and honorary doctorate awards on notable personalities, such as Senate President Senator Godswill Akpabio, Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, Executive Deputy Governor of Benue State Dr. Samuel Ode, Och’Otukpo Odu Dr. John Onuminya Eimonye, and Hon. Abiola Peter Makinde, among others.
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In addition, honorary recognitions were bestowed upon individuals like Mr Bolanle Benjamin Leshi, Chief Akinyemi Beckely, Chief Elder Ita Etim Onakak, Engr. Elder Ita Ntekim, Sir Barr. Bassey Dan Abia, Chief Barr. Paul Harris Adekole Ogbole, Mrs. Elizabeth Idoko Okogun, Chief Sonni Ikwue Adapoyi, and Engr. Abubakar Gambo Umar.
The convocation lecture, themed ‘Early Church Fathers as Panacea for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,’ featured Dr. John Ujo David, Registrar of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi, who expressed concern about the commercialization of education in faith-based institutions. He emphasized the degradation of educational values due to this trend, contrary to the service-oriented approach envisioned by the founding figures.
Wesley University’s Vice-Chancellor, Rt. Rev. Prof. Samuel Sunday Obeka, highlighted the various activities leading up to the convocation, including a visit to the Osemawe of the Ondo Kingdom, a crusade led by university Chancellor Snr. Pastor Dr. Paul Enenche, dedication/inauguration of the permanent site gate, the Bishop’s reception, and the awarding of certificates to graduates.
Breaking down the academic achievements, the Methodist Church Bishop reported that 159 students earned second-class upper degrees, 124 received second-class lower degrees, 12 obtained third-class degrees, and 13 secured pass grades for their first degree. Importantly, he affirmed that all degrees offered by Wesley University have full accreditation from the National University Commission.
Dr. David raised concerns about the compromised state of some faith-based universities, emphasizing the unfortunate consequences of the erosion of discipline in the educational system. He commended institutions like Wesley University for maintaining a positive environment and producing graduates who contribute meaningfully to various sectors of the economy.
In concluding remarks, Dr. David expressed hope that the discipline instilled by church fathers would cultivate core values like tolerance and patience, fostering unity and progress. He underscored the significance of discipline in shaping the character of citizens and lamented the current challenges faced by the education sector in Nigeria.
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