By Gabriel Dike
Babcock University Ilishan Remo, Ogun State recently conferred honorary degree awards on two eminent Nigerians for their contributions in different professional fields.
The two eminent Nigerians honoured by BU are Chief Wole Olanipekun, legal luminary and governing council chairman, University of Lagos Akoka. He was conferred with Doctor of Law and Administration, honoris causa. Mrs. Bukola Smith, Managing Director of HBO Bank, was awarded Director of Strategic Leadership and Business Finance, honoris causa.
The honorary awards attracted Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, Governor Adedapo Abiodun, two traditional rulers, state government officials, management staff of HBP Bank, UNILAG management led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola and BU senior management staff led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, parents and the 2,842 undergraduates and postgraduates students.
Prof. Tayo told the gathering that BU decided to honour Chief Olanipekun and Mrs. Smith with honorary degrees for their contributions to their profession and the society at large.
The BU management said the two awardees have fulfilled the requirement of the statutes and regulations of the university and have been found worthy to be admitted to the award of Doctor of Law and Administration, honoris causa and Doctor of Strategic Leadership and Business Finance.
Olanipekun’s citation state that he was elected the 20th President, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) in August 2002, served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, University of Ibadan, chairman of Court of Governors of College of Medcine and donated 450 capacity Law building, appointed chairman of Governing Council of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, in 2013 and currently the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of UNILAG.
Smith citation revealed she has over 30 years experience in strategy, innovation, and commercial leadership, adding, “Bukola has a track record of leadership, innovation, strategic planning, and excellent execution, making her a well-rounded banking leader with achievements in various sub-sectors.”
Smith, the current Managing Director of FSDH Merchant Bank, plans to pursuit academia in the future and has served the banking industry in various capacities.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji commended BU management for honouring the legal luminary and Smith with track record in the banking industry.
In his speech, BU VC, Prof. Tayo said, “today, we gather to celebrate their hard work, dedication, and perseverance as they reach the pinnacle of their academic journey.”
According to him, BU would graduate 2, 793 graduands with 148 First Class Division, adding, “today is a testament to your resilience, creativity, and passion. As you stand on the threshold of this new chapter, remember that the knowledge, skills, and values you have acquired here will serve as a foundation for your future success.”
A graduate of History and International Studies, Ifoghale Elomezino Oghenemairo emerged the overall best graduating student with 4.89 CGPA for full-time, for part-time, Michael Glory Oluchi came top with 4.56 CGPA. While in the postgraduate category, Adegoke Oluferanmi Marvelous recorded 4.93 CGPA to emerge as best Msc graduate and Dr. Akinoye John Iyanu, got 4.84 CGPA to emerge the best PhD graduate.