The Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, is preparing to graduate its inaugural group of 67 PhD students during the 16th convocation ceremony.
This announcement was made by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwole Banjo, during a pre-convocation press briefing on Friday.
Professor Banjo also revealed that among the projects to be inaugurated by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, is an Independent Power Plant, described as the first of its kind in any public university in southwestern Nigeria.
Outlining the week-long event’s activities, he highlighted an exhibition by the Creative Arts Department, featuring distinguished art collector Prince Oluyemisi Shyllon.
Additionally, the convocation drama, Ajagun nla, is scheduled for Monday, 25 November 2024, alongside a volleyball match and the Vice-Chancellor’s football final. A health walk will take place on Tuesday, followed by an alumni cocktail on Wednesday, 27 November 2024.
Professor Banjo noted, “The 16th convocation ceremony is exceptional as it will witness the admission of a total of 4,140 graduands into first degrees, among whom 25 achieved first-class honours.”
He further elaborated that four graduates would receive M.Phil degrees, 275 would earn master’s degrees, 27 would obtain Postgraduate Diplomas in Education (PGDE), and 28 would graduate with Postgraduate Diplomas in other fields.
Among the PhD graduates is a retired Nigerian Army colonel and an 85-year-old graduate of Educational Management.
The university will also confer honorary doctorates on four distinguished individuals: Dr. Taiwo Olayinka Afolabi, CEO of SIFAS Group of Companies; Prince Oluyemisi Adedoyin Shyllon, a renowned art collector; Otunba Jaiyeola Wasiu; and Engineer Jubril Dotun Sanusi.
The convocation lecture, titled From Classroom to Cloud: Leveraging Digital Literacy for National Development, will be delivered by the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
Other projects set for commissioning include the newly constructed University Health Centre and the Science Laboratory Complex, both funded independently by the university.
Professor Banjo, who noted this year’s ceremony as his valedictory convocation as Vice-Chancellor, announced a proposal to rename the institution to Tai Solarin University of Education, Science, and Technology, subject to approval by the governor and the state assembly.
Reflecting on his tenure, he expressed optimism that his successor would “build on the great foundation that has been laid,” while expressing gratitude to the Ogun State government for the opportunity to serve.
