•Institute’s CEO urges Nigerians to embrace online varsity education
By Gabriel Dike
The former Vice Chancellor of Southwestern University, Okun-Owa, Ijebu, Ogun State, Prof. Amusa Adetunji, has challenged Ballsbridge University graduates to use knowledge to find solutions to problems confronting the society.
He spoke at the second convocation of Ballsbridge University in which 17 postgraduate students were conferred PhD, eight graduates awarded MSc/MBA and five bagged first degree.
Prof. Amusa, who specifically focused on the PhD graduates, said they have acquired wider knowledge and should apply it to tackle issues in society. Amusa urged the graduates to keep acquiring knowledge to improve the society.
Chairman at the ceremony, Dr. Oluwalade Olurotimi, asked the graduates to translate the knowledge they acquired to positive uses and make a difference in the country: “As you step out of this great citadel of learning, I admonish you to take the bull by the horns and show the whole world that you have arrived to solve all kinds of problems, being the fulcrum of coming here, break records, re-set records with your giant strides and collectively build the society of our enviable dreams.
“Whether you’ll remain in the academics or you enter the business world, one thing is sure, your application of the acquired knowledge is the only distinguishable factor, apart from God’s factor, that will set you apart.”
The convocation lecturer, Dr. Ezeogu Chukwuemeka, who spoke on “Chaos, Drive and the Future of a Dark Continent,” said Africa was a project still under construction for too long.
According to him, the biggest deficit in Africa was not leadership but knowledge deficit, maintaining, “we have a very big deficit in knowledge in the continent.”
In his address, Chancellor of Ballsbridge University, Prof. Idahosa Charles, described the convocation as not only a celebration of academic achievement but also of growth, resilience and the unyielding pursuit of knowledge.
“At Ballsbridge University, we believe in the transformative power of education. Our quest for an outstanding and productive university to empower individuals to make meaningful contributions to society.
“Each one of you has demonstrated not just academic excellence but also the courage to overcome challenges. You have faced rigorous coursework, engaged in thought-provoking discussions, and participated in community service initiatives that reflect the values instilled in you by this institution,” Charles noted.
One of the graduates, Chinedu Joy, told Daily Sun that it wasn’t an easy journey to acquire a degree in Midwifery but the desire to achieve success saw her through.
“I had wanted to pull out in my final examination but one of my lecturers encouraged me. The course was online and we had so many materials to read,” she added.
Chief Executive Officer of Divine Doxology Global Limited and DDM Institute of Management Technology, Prof. Abba Joel, urged Nigerians to embrace online university education to acquire their degrees in different fields of study.
Prof. Abba stressed that with technology, online education has been made easier for working class and young Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunities it offers.
Said he: “Online programmes are the best to acquire degrees. With technology, it is easy now. Ballsbridge University has bridged the gap to acquire university education for young Nigerians and the degrees are acceptable in every country. I urge them to embrace this mode of university education.
“Online university education eliminates sales of handouts to students, strikes by staff unions, sexual harassment, graduation as at when due and availability of massive reading materials. In the nearest future, classroom will be eliminated and structures not count in delivering university education.
“Today marks not just the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, but also the beginning of a new journey. Each of you has demonstrated resilience, commitment and unwavering pursuit of knowledge. As you walk across this stage, you carry with you not just a degree or licence, but the values and skills that will shape your future and impact the World around you.”
Prof. Abba encouraged the graduates to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead and reminded them that every challenge is an opportunity for growth while any setback is a stepping-stone toward success.
He showered encomium on the faculty and staff for their unwavering dedication to nurturing and guiding the graduates, stating, “your commitment has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of global leaders.’’
During the ceremony, 13 graduates were conferred with Fellow by the UK based Institute of Commercial Management (ICM).
In his address, the Chief Executive Officer of ICM, Mr. Adair Ford, congratulated the fellows for choosing the path of education and professional development with the institute, which would shape their career.
Ford said as a member of ICM, the fellows are part of a diverse and vibrant community that spans the globe, stressing, “this network is a valuable asset that will connect you with peers, mentors and opportunists from around the World.”