- College to confer fellowship on Doja Otedola, Zulum, Sunmonu
By Chinyere Anyanwu
The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) will graduate 7,717 students in its 2023 convocation ceremony even as it will confer honorary fellowship awards on three eminent Nigerians.
The YABATECH Rector, Dr. Ibraheem Adedotun Abdul, made the announcement yesterday at the pre-convocation briefing held at the institution to acquaint the public on programmes outlined for the event.
The rector said the institution’s 35th convocation ceremony, will kick off on Friday, November 17 and end on Thursday, November 23.
He noted that the events will begin with a Jumat service on Friday, November 17 at the temporary site of the College Mosque by 1.30pm while an interdenominational church service will hold on Sunday, November 19, at the Yusuf Grillo Auditorium.
Dr. Abdul further disclosed that the convocation lecture, which will be delivered by the Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Olufemi Gbajabiamila and will hold on Tuesday, November 21 at Yusuf Grillo Auditorium. He will speak on the topic, “Empowering Nigerian Youths in the Present Day Economy”.
According to him, the convocation ceremony will be chaired by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
He said the convocation ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 23 at Philip Adegbile Sports Complex while the guest of honour is the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
The rector explained that out of the 7,717 graduating students, 254 got Distinction; 1,893 got Upper Credit Division; 3,940 got Lower Credit, while 1,630 are graduating with Pass grade.
He disclosed that three eminent Nigerians will be conferred with fellowship awards include Lady Christine Doja Otedola, an accomplished public servant, philanthropist and wife of the former governor of Lagos State, Pa Michael Otedola. She’s being honoured for her numerous contributions to society, especially her active roles in mentoring the students and staff of YABATECH.
Also, Comrade Hassan Adebayo Sunmonu, the first Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) president, will be conferred with fellowship award for his dedication to labour activism and advocacy for workers’ rights.
Prof. Babagana Zulum, the governor of Borno State will bag fellow award for his contribution to the development of the country’s young women and men.
He added: ‘In line with the tradition and mandate of the polytechnic education, fellowship awards are conferred on esteemed and exemplary Nigerians who have contributed immensely to national development, education and other sectors, including those who distinguish themselves in their areas of endeavours.
“The justification for the conferment of the prestigious fellowship awards on these revered Nigerians centres on their respective accomplishments within and outside Nigeria.”