History was made recently as Crawford University’s best-graduating student, Afolabi Abisola Wuraola, carted away 10 awards with automatic employment.
The elated graduate won the following awards: “University Overall Best Prize; Prof. Peter Akinsola Okebukola Sciences Foundation Prize: For the University Overall Best Prize; Mary Atwater Prize for the Best Female Overall Graduating Student (Prof. Peter Akinsola Okebukola Sciences Foundation), and Mary Atwater Prize for the Best Graduating Student in the College of Natural and Applied Sciences. (Prof. Peter Akinsola Okebukola Sciences Foundation)
Other awards included:” Parent’s Forum Prize: For the University Overall Best Prize: Overall Best Graduating Student in College of Natural and Applied Sciences; Prof. Peter Akinsola Okebukola Sciences Foundation Prize: For the Overall Best Student in the College of Natural & Applied Sciences, and Parent’s Forum Prize: For the CONAS Best Graduating Student.”
Wuruola, from the College of Natural and Applied Sciences, with a CGPA of 4.92, who was the cynosure of everyone at the 16th Convocation ceremony of the institution in an emotional speech, noted that resilience, determination, and a good example of her elder sister, including her lecturers and coursemates made her stand tall.
Her words: “If someone has told my teachers in my formative years that I will be the one standing here giving the valedictory speech of the Unicorn 16 set, I bet they won’t believe me. However, I was able to overcome my challenges, including changing of programme from the power of resilience, determination, and the great example set by my elder sister who also was a scholar.
“While I look back and thank God for the journey so far, I must commend the efforts of my family, my lecturers, colleagues, and Crawford University for the role they all played in making me achieve this feat.”
Meanwhile, the guest lecturer at the convocation ceremony, and former Vice Chancellor, Covenant University, Prof. Akan Williams in his lecture themed: “Petroleum Crisis and the Need for Alternative Energy, “ explained that despite Nigeria being a major player in the global petroleum market, and one of the most preferred in the world due to its low sulphur content and low corrosiveness to refinery infrastructure; over dependency on oil, corruption, and the Niger Delta crisis and dilapidated refineries among others, have greatly impacted on the country benefitting from this natural endowment.
He, however, called on the Nigerian government to look inward in diversifying the alternative energy sector, based on its potential for economic growth and development.
His words: “Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment in its energy utilisation. While I concede that petroleum will remain a part of the global energy mix, the relevance of the petroleum industry will depend on its ability to adapt to a decarbonized world.
“Nigeria’s need for alternative energy has been established. The desired transition. Alternative energy is not just a necessity, it is also an opportunity. The country’s over-reliance on petroleum products, with the resultant challenges identified in this Convocation Lecture, calls for a transition to a diversified and sustainable energy system, leveraging its abundant renewable resources, innovative technologies, and human capital.
“By investing in solar, wind, hydropower, and bioenergy, Nigeria can enhance its energy security, create jobs and reduce carbon emissions. The global energy transition represents a critical path forward in addressing the twin challenges of climate change and energy security.
“As the world moves away from petroleum and embraces renewable energy, governments, businesses, and individuals should work together to accelerate the adoption of this cleaner, more sustainable energy. It is my submission that this transition, supported by international cooperation such as the Paris Agreement, will bring significant economic, environmental, and social benefits, creating a more resilient and sustainable future.”
Also, the ceremony saw the conferment of Honorary degrees to three eminent Nigerians, namely: Prof. Jerry Gana, Arch. Toyin Ajayi, and Mr. Humphrey Okposo by the Proprietor and Chancellor, Crawford University, Dr. Isaach Adigun.
In his speech, the Vice Chancellor of the faith-based institution. Prof. Reuben Jiya Kolo, who thanked his principal, Ogun State government, staff, students, and parents, including friends of the University for their unwavering support, called on the graduates to imbibe all the values the school has put in them.
“In this 16th Convocation, we are launching a total of 460 graduates into the global market. The graduates have been groomed in the knowledge of their various disciplines together with biblical teachings on godliness, and they are adequate and worthy in character and learning. They are now expected to begin to contribute actively and robustly to national and global developments. We have 36 of the graduates who made First Class, 174 made Second Class Upper Division and 174 made Second Class Lower Division. 27 graduates fall into other categories. In the postgraduate category, 7 are graduating with a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Business Administration, 15 with a Master of Science (M.Sc), and 5 with a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
“To the Unicorn 16 class, I encourage you to go forth as true ambassadors of Crawford University, remembering always that knowledge alone is not sufficient without godliness to guide it. Let your career be an extension of your faith, and your achievements are a testament to your values. As you step into a world with many challenges, hold firmly to the wisdom you have gained here, and let God’s light shine through your actions and character. So, I am standing in front of you and admonishing you in the words of I Timothy 4:16 to hitherto take heed of those things which thou have learned that they slip not but rather to use it to help yourself and humanity in general. As you bid your Alma-Mater goodbye, I pray God to bless and keep you. That He makes His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. That He would lift His countenance on you and give you peace.
