Young graduates in Nigeria have been sensitized on the pertinent of honing their entrepreneurship skills with their academic achievements. The sensitization was done at the 6th convocation ceremony of Augustine University, Ilara – Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria which was held on Tuesday, 22nd October 2024.

The convocation ceremony witnessed the graduation of a total of seventy-one (71) graduates coming out brilliantly with Ten (10) First Class, Thirty-Four (34) Second Class Upper, Twenty-Five (25) Second Class Lower and Two (2) Third Class from Faculty of Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (FAHUMSS) and Faculty of Science (FACUS).

 

The admonishments on Entrepreneurship was reflected in all the speeches given at the convocation ceremony through The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Christopher Odetunde; Chairman Governing Council/Pro-Chancellor, Chief Gilbert T. Grant and the Chancellor, Mr Femi P. Otedola, CON (represented by Pastor Philip Akinola) at the event, where they also highlighted the efforts and achievements of the University so far, better things to look forward to and a show of appreciation to the University’s Benefactors, Parents, Guardians, and Sponsors of the Graduands.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Christopher Odetunde enumerated some of the University's achievements under his administration which started in 2022 to include  the successful weaning of Augustine University, Ilara-Epe (AUI) off subvention, payment of salaries as at when due, increase in students’ population from below 200 to more than 1000 in the 2024/2025 session, continuous accreditations and resource verifications, Nursing Science Program receiving admission quota of 100 students from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, Students in Accounting and Economics obtaining ICAN certification, increase in Faculty Members, emergence of new Faculties with corresponding programs in Basic Medical Science – Nursing Science; Engineering – Computer Engineering and School of Postgraduate Studies, continuous promotion of Faculty Members; graduation of the first set of Mass Communication Professional, Political Scientists and Microbiologists as well as the Management Team being pro-growth and following pro-good accounting orthodoxy.

The Vice Chancellor therefore charged the Graduands to “see every challenge as an opportunity to be creative while helping in re-building the lost Nigerian culture of honor and to realize that life is a dice, you never know what comes next.”

Augustine University Ilara Epe according to the University’s Chancellor, Mr Olufemi Otedola, CON, was founded on a clear and compelling vision which is to be a world-class Institution, committed to fostering an environment where excellence meets moral integrity.

“As a Catholic institution, our Mission goes beyond simply imparting knowledge. We are committed to forming the whole person intellectually, spiritually and ethically.” Mr Otedola stated.

Mr Femi Otedola, CON expressed deep appreciation to the University’s Proprietor, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, the Visioneer, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, the Board of Trustees, the Governing Council, Management and Staff.

The Chancellor in commemorating the 2024 convocation ceremony pledged to donate towards the Phase 2 of the Engineering Faculty to the University.

“Having completed last year Phase 1 for the Engineering Faculty which I donated, I wish to announce that the award of the contract for the Phase 2 building is almost completed. I am hereby announcing the donation of the Phase 2 building at a cost of N3.7billion. The building is to be completed within 12 months. I hope by the grace of God to be with you this time next year to cut the tape for the completed building.” Mr Otedola announced.

 

The Chancellor, whose Mother, Lady Christine Doja Otedola and HRM, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo were in attendance at the ceremony also challenged the Graduands thus: “I challenge you to carry the spirit of ‘Pro Scientice et Moribus’ with you wherever you go.”

 

The Convocation ceremony, during which eleven (11) graduating students were given awards of Best Graduating Students in various programmes also witnessed a Convocation Lecture with the theme: “Rethinking Economic Rebirth in Nigeria Through Youth Entrepreneurship” presented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) Pan – Athlantic University, Lagos, Dr. Peter Bamkole.

According to the Lecturer, “Spotting opportunities and providing solutions is what Entrepreneurs do. Through experiential learning, exposure and other nurturing methods, they can quickly recognize opportunities and provide solutions.” He added that “Our youthful population are not only innovative but also extremely passionate when it comes to entrepreneurial pursuit. This is the enablement that is necessary for economic rebirth of any nation.”

Dr. Bamkole went further to reveal that unemployment rate stands at 8.4% as at Q1, 2024 while youth underemployment rate stands at 15.2%, according to Nigeria Bureau of Statistics. The new minimum wage is no longer enough for one person, let alone a family. So, more than ever, everyone is augmenting his/her income by creating multiple streams.”

The Lecturer therefore charged the Graduands and youths in general to embrace Youth Entrepreneurship not primarily because of venture creation, but rather because it can provide the impetus for accelerating our collective mindset shift, leading to the economic rebirth of our country.

The Convocation Lecture was followed by award of Diploma Certificates, admission to First Degrees in the Faculties, presentation of prizes, goodwill messages, valedictory speech and conduct of the Alumni pledge by the President of the Alumni Association.

In his address, the University’s Proprietor, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins acknowledged God's Grace for the gift of the day for the ceremony.

His Grace warmly extended his gratitude to the University’s Chancellor, Mr Femi Otedola, CON; His Royal Majesty, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom, Oba Olukayode Olufolarin Ogunsanwo and Lady Christine Doja Otedola amongst others.

The Archbishop stated that Catholic University recognizes the fact that education is not merely about intellectual development; it is more about forming individuals who are well-rounded, morally grounded and spiritually enriched, since Catholic’s tradition emphasizes the dignity of every human person, created in the image and likeness of God.

The Proprietor, therefore, charged the Graduands thus: “It is not enough to know; we must also discern how to use what we know for greater good, the common good. Equally important is your spiritual growth and maturity. As Graduates of Augustine University, you are called to be leaders who uplift those around you, showing compassion and understanding.”

Both the Vice Chancellor and the Proprietor in separate interviews with Press Men after the ceremony charged the Graduands and the Nigerian youths to understand the fact that though there are challenges in the country, yet, there are still many opportunities that could be tapped into as highlighted in the Convocation Lecture delivered by Dr. Bamkole.

His Grace noted: “As unemployment keeps growing, the Graduands and all universities in the country need to be observant of the opportunities in the country. The challenges are many, the troubles are many, but there are still opportunities that can be tapped into as pointed out in the Convocation Lecture delivered by Prof. Peter Bamkole.”

Earlier, the ceremony, which started with the Academic Procession that had the Proprietor of the University and Archbishop & Metropolitan of Lagos, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins; Convocation Lecturer, Dr. Peter Bamkole; other Key Officers of the University and Graduating Students participating was followed by an opening prayer, National Anthem; Hymn to St. Augustine; opening Prayer and the Constitution of the Congregation by the Chancellor represented by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Christopher Odetunde.