Iwo (Osun) – The Bowen University, Iwo, Osun, onSaturday awarded first class degrees to 81

graduating students at its 12th convocation.

The institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mattews Ojo,

stated this while delivering his convocation speech at

the university’s premises in Iwo.

Ojo said 96 graduating students were awarded with

second class upper degrees, 382 with second class

lower degrees, while 136 were awarded with third

class degrees.

He added that 15 were awarded with MBBS Degrees

and 29 awarded with Master Degrees.

Ojo urged the graduating students to be focused and

to be good ambassadors of the university wherever

they found themselves.

‘‘Equally important, do not dwell anymore on the

grades attained in the courses in the university but

focus your attention on the knowledge gained, skills

acquired and character that has been moulded.

‘‘No doubt, Bowen University has prepared you for

leadership. Indeed, our nations, at this time, needs

people like you that will make a positive difference,’’

Ojo said.

Earlier, the Chancellor of the university, Dr Olumide

Kehinde, urged the new graduates to create new

opportunities for themselves through self-

employment.

Also, the Pro-Chancello of the university, Mr Oluwole

Abegunde, urged the new graduates to be focused

and be agents of positive change in the society.

In his remarks, Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, represented by

his deputy, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori, urged private

universities to engage in research and development,

saying these were critical intellectual needs for

society’s growth.

In his exhortation, the President, Christian

Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Baptist Convention,

Rev. Samson Ayokunle, urged the new graduates to

empower themselves to make them relevant in the

country.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Federal Civil Service

Commission, Mrs Joan Ayo, said that the Federal

Character Principle, if properly implemented, would

ensure effective service delivery in the country.

Ayo said this while delivering the 12th Convocation

Lecture of the university with the theme:

“Governance, Service Delivery and Development in

Nigeria since Independence.’’

“It is my firm conviction that if properly implemented,

the principle will ensure authentic development in

Nigeria.

“It will douse the numerous agitations that,

unfortunately, we are accustomed to. It will remove

the cliché of marginalisation, reduce the tension in

the country and promote peace,” she said.

Ayo, however, debunked insinuations that the Federal

Character Principle sacrifices meritocracy for

mediocrity in order to accommodate everybody in the

country.

‘‘In practice, Federal Character Principle ensures

picking out the best from each Local Government or

Senatorial District or Zone, as applicable.’’ she said.

(NAN)