Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) in Oyo, Oyo State is set to honour three distinguished Nigerians during its upcoming 15th convocation ceremonies.
The trio are Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHACO), Mrs. Kate Isa, founder and CEO of Katchey Company Limited, and Sir Gbolahan Folayan, a respected banker and administrator. They will receive honorary doctorate degrees from the university.
The Vice Chancellor of ACU, Prof Timothy Adebayo, made the announcement during a press conference held on the campus of the institution ob Friday to herald the convocation ceremonies.
He also highlighted the recent recognition of ACU as the 51st best university in sub-Saharan Africa and the 15th best university in Nigeria by the Times Higher Education, UK.
Adebayo revealed that a total of 974 undergraduate and 594 postgraduate students will be awarded degrees during the convocation. Among the undergraduates, 36 will receive First-Class Honours, 430 will graduate with Second-Class Honours (Upper Division), while 408 and 100 students will graduate with Second-Class Honours (Lower Division) and Third-Class degrees, respectively.
He stated that in the postgraduate category, there are 71 recipients of postgraduate diplomas and 523 individuals set to receive Master’s degrees in various disciplines. The ceremonies will also celebrate the achievement of 30 PhD graduates.
The 15th convocation ceremonies will span from Monday to Thursday, with various events and activities planned throughout the week.
His words: “This beautiful university, popularly called ACU, was rated this year by the Times Higher Education, United Kingdom, as tr 51st best university in sub Saharn Africa and the 15th best university in Nigeria. We are fast moving to scale up our ratings.
“ACU will award various degrees to 974 undergraduate students and 594 postgraduate students at this year’s convocation. In the undergraduate category, 36 persons will bag First-Class Honours; 430 are in the Second-Class Honours (Upper) division; while 408 and 100 are in the Second-Class Honours (Lower) and Third-Class categories, respectively.
“The 594 graduands in the postgraduate category consist of 71 persons for postgraduate diploma and 523 individuals for Master’s Degree awards in various disciplines. Specifically, 30 success persons will be awarded Doctor of Philosophy Dsgree in various disciplines.
“In the same vein, three eminent Nigerians will be given honorary degree. Our Honourary Doctorate Degree Awardees are: Sir Gbolahan Olukayode Folayan, Mrs. Kate Isa, and Dr. Taiwo Afolabi.”
Adebayo stated further that the 15th convocation ceremonies would on Monday November 27 feature alumni lecture and reunion at The Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Law Auditorium by 10am, while Town and Gown Events would also take placeat the Palace, Rehabs and Oyo Markets in the afternoon
He added that on Tuesday, there would be convocation lecture that would be delivered by Emeritus Professor Oluwagbenro Jegede in the morning, a convocation play in the evening at the Olajire Olaniran Auditorium. On Wednesday, he said, there will be commissioning of projects at the Offa Metta and main campuses by 8a.m, which would be followed by award of Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree at the Crowther Hall by 11am.
“The grand finale of the ceremonies is on Thursday, 30 November, 2023 with the award of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Degrees and Honoris Causas at The Modupe and Folorunso Alakija Law Auditorium with Sir Gbolahan Folayan; Mrs. Kate Isa; and Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, being the recipients of the prestigious honour.”
