It was a gathering of Clergy, Lay Faithful, Scholars and others at Dominican University, Samonda, Ibadan, Oyo State on Saturday 7th December, 2024 as the University held its third and fourth Convocation Ceremonies; where a total of Seventy-Four (74) Graduands were conferred with First Degree Certificates in various Faculties.

Some dignitaries at the ceremony included the Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin; the Proprietor & Chancellor of the University, V. Rev. Fr. Modestus Ngwu, OP; the Pro-Chancellor, His Excellence, Mr Peter Obi, CON; Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jacinta Opara, Mr Richard Lee VanderHorst; the Convocation Guest Lecturer, Dr. Paul Ilona; amongst others.

The constitution of Congregation was done by the Chancellor, Fr. Ngwu after the entrance Academic Procession and the opening prayer, followed by the speech delivered by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jacinta Opara.

The VC welcomed all with joy as she said, “Today, we gather to celebrate not only the achievements of our graduates but also the mission, vision and legacy of Dominican University that brings us together in the spirit of knowledge, community and transformation.”

Prof. Opara highlighted the achievements so far of the eight years old, the first and only university of the Order of Preachers (Dominican Order) in Africa since its 800 years of existence, adding that the university is committed to academic excellence, critical thinking and social responsibility and that the ceremony was the first she would be conducting since assuming office on July 1, 2024.

According to the VC, Dominican University runs eight fully accredited programmes, while three new programmes are awaiting accreditation by the National University Commission; while the welfare of the students, staff and the community has been paramount to the University’s Management.

Apart from 74 students that were awarded first degree, two eminent personalities, Mr Segun Agbaje and Richard Lee VanderHorst were also conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degree in Philosophy & Computing (Honoris Causa) for their tremendous contribution to human development through various initiatives that align with the values and mission of Dominican University. The VC encouraged the graduating students to be innovative, problem-solvers and leaders as she appreciated all in attendance.

The Pro-Chancellor, His Excellency, Mr Peter Obi, CON also in his speech appreciated all dignitaries in attendance, Board of Trustees, Management, Staff, Students and Parents/Guardians/Sponsors of the graduating students, even as he donated Fifty Million Naira (N50M) to the institution.

Mr Peter Obi, later in an interview with the journalists berated corruption in the country, which has killed entrepreneurship, professionalism and hard work; hence, the need to deal decisively with mismanagement and stealing of public money.

The former Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in 2023 Presidential Election also appealed to the country’s agencies to ensure proper investigation to enable them come up with a proof that will show where money is stolen from to enable the leaders learn how to prevent reoccurrence. “It is not enough to say, oh, we recover One Hundred Billion Naira. How, is that N100 billion? Can we link it to missing money, either in the Local or the State Government?”

On fuel subsidy removal, Mr Peter Obi stated that the removal was not properly done. He said when fuel subsidy was removed, there ought to be a replacement, either the money is being added to education, adding that nothing is wrong with the country but inability of our leaders to rise up to their responsibilities. “If you tell people to fast, you should not feast; everybody should be fasting”, he added.

On his part, the Guest Lecturer, Dr. Paul Ilona who titled his lecture “The Future Starts Today,” stated that the forces shaping Nigeria today are complex and challenging, making everyone feels unfulfilled and looking to the future for succor. He encouraged the graduands, using his personal life history, even as he described education as a lifelong journey that extends beyond formal learning into the realm of experience, curiosity and exploration.

Dr. Ilona stated further that reasons behind his choice of the topic “the future starts today” included the followings: Choices, which are intrinsic part of the human experience, shaping the graduates future in profound ways; need for a new source of finance other than the stipend the graduates often get from parents to meet their needs; new opportunities are constantly emerging, hence, networking is the compass that points the graduates towards unseen opportunities; need to continuously learn, adapt and evolve for personal growth and development, and the impacts the graduates can have on the world around them.

The Guest Lecturer added that the future starts today is a journey within the graduates, that requires courage, patience, and the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, but that the reward is a life lived with purpose and passion and therefore challenged the graduands “to find what excites them, look for that opportunity and go after it. You may stumble, and you will stumble again, but you must persevere, work harder and smarter to achieve your future.”

The lecture was followed by the admittance of graduates into degrees of various faculties, conferment of Honorary degree and presentation of prizes etc. One of the awardees, Richard Lee VanderHorst also gave a speech to appreciate the University for the Honour done on them.

The Chancellor in his speech also expressed the institution’s gratitude to all present, dignitaries, Board, Management, Staff, Parents, Dominican Brothers and the Archbishop for their commitment and dedication. He later declared the ceremony closed, followed by prayer said by Fr. John Mark and the final blessing by Archbishop Gabriel Abegunrin.