The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Rahamon Bello, on Thursday said the institution was fast becoming a postgraduate university as 103 students bag Ph.Ds at the convocation of the university.
Speaking at the convocation ceremony, Bello said there was the need to fill the yawning gap in newly established universities with younger lecturers.
He said: “I will like to draw attention to the fact that UNILAG is gradually becoming a postgraduate institution as 45 per cent of our graduating students are with higher degrees.
“We have produced 103 Ph.Ds this year, many of whom are set to fill the yawning gap in newly established universities around the country.”
Bello said 4,764 students, who had successfully completed their studies, were awarded postgraduate diplomas, Masters and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees.
He said 4,330 of the figure were awarded Masters Degrees, while 331 were awarded postgraduate diploma certificates.
The vice-chancellor said Dr. Emmanuel Akpan of the Department of Metallurgical and Material Engineering emerged the overall best doctoral student.
Akpan emerged the best with a thesis, entitled: Processing and Characterisation of Selected Bio-degradable Fibre-PLA Composites.
Bello said the institution would continue to pursue partnership arrangements that would immensely benefit students and staff.
The don congratulated the President-elect and incoming visitor to the university, retired General Muhammadu Buhari, for his victory at the March 28 poll.
He, however, pleaded with Buhari that on assumption of office, he should consolidate on the gains of higher education from the outgoing regime.
According to him, there is the need for the incoming administration to complete the implementation of the Needs Assessment Funding programme.
The don said there was also need for a funding mechanism that would insulate higher education in Nigeria from fluctuations of its economy.
Bello said that was the only way Nigerian universities could become stable and maximally contribute positively to the economic development of the nation.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that six prominent Nigerians were conferred with honorary degrees in recognition of their immense contributions to the development of the country.
The institution also honoured three outstanding retired professors with emeritus professorship, having satisfied the criteria set for such by the Senate of the university.
They are Professors Olayide Abass, Francis Fajemirokun and Soga Sofola.
They prominent Nigerians conferred with honorary degrees for impacting the quality of life of the citizenry included Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and Deacon Gamaliel Onosode, the immediate past Pro-Chancellor of the institution.
Also honoured was retired General Theophilus Danjuma.
Adeboye was honoured with Doctor of Science, Onosode with Doctor of Letters and Danjuma, Doctor of Science.
In his acceptance speech, Adeboye urged everyone, irrespective of numbers of degrees and promotion in life, to surrender and give his life to Jesus.
According to him, divine promotion will remain the ultimate as it supersedes all other forms of elevation.
Quoting from various verses in the Holy Bible, he said when God promotes, even the sky cannot be the limit.
He said: “My speech is revolved around Mathematics because as you know, it is not only the language of science but also that of life.
“Greatness can be explained into two basic equations: that is, God is the most high and God is the Almighty.
“And from these two, we realise the fact that God is sovereign.
“He is the great promoter.
“He does His things the way He chooses to.
“When He promotes, even the sky cannot be the limit.”
The Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Jerry Gana, urged the graduating students to strive for excellence and eschew corrupt practices in their daily activities.
