By Vivian Onyebukwa
It was pomp and funfair at the 5th matriculation, convocation and award ceremony, organised by NIPEM Professional Education Management International, which took place at the Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Lagos.
President, NIPEM International, Prof Maurice Azubuike Odiete, in his address, stated that the primary objective of NIPEM, is to provide mass education and employment to Nigerians and Africans. According to him, it is also to raise competent professionals, effective leaders and entrepreneurs that will help transform the global economy. “Here, we help discover and assist the students to develop their technical skills with emphasis on self growth and reliance”.
Delivering his lecture at the event titled, “Empowering The Nigerian Youth Through Technical Innovation and Entrepreneurship”, Prof Uche Ogah, Vice Chancellor, African University of Benin, decried the state of education in the country.
He lamented that some graduates cannot defend their certificates, and therefore, called for a change in educational system.
Giving an instance of a non-entrepreneur to teach entrepreneurship, he said, “Enough of theories. Things must change. Start empowering our students by teaching marketing. It is high time we taught our students innovation, refined entrepreneur and not teach them investment education to come out as sound entrepreneurs. We have to review our curriculum, teach them technical education. Let there be workshops, theories, practical activities for them to become their own bosses”.
He believes that entrepreneur teachers should be industrialists, not just those with certificates. “We don’t want paper graduates. COVID has told Africans that they can stand on their own”.
Ogah recommended for nations of African government to introduce incubation centres where refined professors can be kept for people to go there and learn.
He equally advocated for creation of universities for professional courses such as Medicine, Business, among others, to give the students functional education business. “With these, the entrepreneurship will increase and help the government solve the problem of unemployment. The books are over now. For those who want to go into entrepreneurship, don’t be lazy. Entrepreneurship does encourage laziness”, he advised.
Also, Head of Mission, International Peace and Governance Council (IPGC Africa) on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda 2030 for education drive in Nigeria, Dr. Jonathan Ojadah, while speaking said, “Today in the history of education in Africa, particularly Nigeria, HIU through its African chapter, is standing to be counted as one of the solution providers to national and international sustainable education drive”.
While commending the institution for awarding honorary doctorate degree to some individuals, Ojadah, who was the Special Guest at the occasion, urged all students to be a good ambassador of the institution in their endeavours.
President of Highstone International University California, (HIU) Nigeria chapter, Engr. Stephen Oluremi Olutimo, who also attended the event, equally called for the restructuring of education system in the country. Olutimo stressed the need for school curriculum to be completely revised. According to him, the education system in the country will compete favourably with the systems in the advanced world when there is a complete restructuring in the system.
He added that HIU, which has its headquarters in California, United States, was not set up in Nigeria to compete with other institutions of higher learning, but rather help to enhance what is already in existence.
Talking about the convocation and matriculation ceremony, which also featured the award of doctorate honorary degree to some Nigerians who have made significant contributions to the growth of culture and science at both local, state or international level, he described it as the first of its kind. “The people who received honorary doctorate degree have indeed contributed to the global growth of culture and science. The contribution must be ongoing and long-lasting. One should be able to document the national or international impact of the contributions. It must be clear that the contributor is creative and their contributions are extraordinary’’.
He further stated that the recognition was also for individuals whose life and achievements serve as examples of the University’s aspirations for its students.
Some of the awardees of honorary doctorate degree who spoke in an interview commended HIU for recognising them in such capacity and assured to contribute more to the growth of culture, science and other fields.
Among those who received Doctorate Degree included Sanusi Taofiq Dele, Neuro Engineering, Abubakar Ibrahim Dauda, Management Information Systems, among others. This was for their impact and input in the Nigerian economy, entrepreneurship, etc.
Distinguished students of the year award for creativity and excellence, went to Charles Blessing Chiamaka and Ukpo Emmanuel Sunday, while Overall Best Graduating Student award was clinched by Ndubuaku Glory Adaobi.
Male Best Lecturer award was presented to Dr Sotonwa Semiu Aderoji, while Female Best Lecturer Award for the Year, was awarded to Dr Oyebode Florence.
In recognising every individual who has contributed in one way or the other to the development and success of the institution, Nonye Ibeike, received the award.
While appreciating the Founder, Moses Azubuike, for the centre, Nwokoro Kenneth on behalf of the students, thanked the management for making them education zeal. .
Rev Fidel Aduaye-Odiete, who was the Father of the Day, while admonishing the students, urged them to serve as ambassador of the school. “When you step out, your character should reflect that you went to the school”.
The team of a Non-Governmental Organisation known as Princess Deborah Foundation, came to ensure the average youth is empowered.