It was a rare double moments of joy for a nine-year old Chrisland University Abeokuta community who celebrated the impactful contributions of its outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola and graduation of pioneer set of 22 students from the institution's Faculty of Nursing Sciences on Tuesday in the Ogun State capital
Chancellor and Chairman of the university's Board of Trustees,High Chief Dr. (Mrs) Winifred Awosika and Pro-Chancellor and Ayodeji Olukoju in their separate speeches marking the 6th Convocation for the 2023/2024 set of graduands held inside the institution's main auditorium, where they eulogized the Vice-Chancellor who will be completing her two terms in office on Thursday, October 31, 2024
The highly elated Chancellor accompanied by son, Bankole Awosika , a lawyer, described the seven-year stewardship of Prof Chinedum Peace Babalola as extraordinary, saying her leadership style
has seen Chrisland University grow in leaps and bounds, with remarkable advancements in academic programmes, infrastructure, and student enrollment
"She has led with wisdom, grace, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence. Her visionary leadership has left an indelible mark on this institution, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders.Prof. Babalola has dedicated herself to this university with utmost passion and integrity", Dr.Awosika stated
The outgoing Vice-Chancellor according to her, has always gone above and beyond the call of duty, treating her position not merely as a job but as a mission. She has successfully navigated the complexities of leadership, maintaining peace and harmony across all levels of the university, her tenures have been marked by numerous accomplishments that will forever be remembered.
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the entire Chrisland family, I extend my deepest appreciation to Prof. Babalola. Your tenures have been a gift to this institution, and while we must now release you to new responsibilities, you will always remain a part of the Chrisland family. We are eternally grateful for your contributions. I pray that God will continue to bless and guide you in all your future endeavours.
The Chancellor also expressed appreciation of the university's Board of Trustees to those who played critical roles in the success of Chrisland University so far
"To the Governing Council, led by Distinguished Professor Ayodeji Olukoju, FNAL, I extend my sincere appreciation. Your leadership and policies have been instrumental in steering the university through its growth and achievements. Your dedication to the cause of education is truly commendable.To the management, staff, and students, I thank you for your loyalty, dedication, and hard work. You are the heartbeat of this institution, and it is your collective efforts that have brought us to this day of celebration.To the Ogun State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun; (the Executive Governor) I say thank you for providing an enabling environment for this university to thrive," she appreciated
The 84 year-old Chancellor also lauded the 2024 Convocation 's Lecturer, Dr. (Engr.)Umar Bubar Bindir, describing his lecture titled "Nigeria, Strategies For National Rebirth: Special Reference To A Triple Helix" ,as insightful and thought-provoking lecture which has enriched the knowledge of guests and graduands to strive for a better Nigeria
She then urged the graduating set of 2024 to uphold the legacy of the university while appreciating calling for the continuous support of parents and other Stakeholders to sustain the dream of the Institution
"To the graduands, go forth and make your mark. To the parents, continue to be pillars of strength for your children. To the alumni, uphold the legacy of this great institution. Together, let us continue to build the Chrisland University of our dream"
Similarly the Pro-Chancellor , Prof.Ayodeji Olukoju stressed the need for every one to always strive to make difference in whatever circumstances, saying the Governing Council of the university acknowledged the immeasurable contributions of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor
"We call on everyone to live and thrive wherever they might be placed under whatever circumstances. Moreover, like yeast, we should add value, make a difference, exert a significant systemic effect on our micro or macro domain, and leave a lasting legacy", he admonished
"The Governing Council acknowledges with deep gratitude the uncommon passion and dedication, and the immeasurable physical, intellectual and material sacrifice and investment with which Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola, Fellow of the Nigerian and African Academies of Science, discharged her official duties as Vice Chancellor, Head of Management and Chair of Senate.
"We wish her well in her future endeavours and we are confident that she will continue to be a matchless Goodwill Ambassador of Chrisland University, a sure way of sustaining her leavening impact on the institution. In that sense she will leave now but her legacy lives on", the Pro-Chancellor maintained
The Governing Council's Chairman equally charged the graduands to also use knowledge acquired in the university to make meaningful impact in the society
"To our latest members of the Chrisland University alumni: live for God, serve humanity, add your contribution like leaven to societal development, and when you leave, you will leave behind a good legacy. I congratulate you and wish you well as you continue life’s journeys", he prayed
The Vice Chancellor of Chrisland University Abeokuta, Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola who celebrated her birthday on Monday 28th of October, charged the graduands to always uphold the principles of four Cs of Collaboration, Character, Competency, and Capacity to make the difference in the society as products of Chrisland University
"I want to leave you with a charge rooted in four essential principles termed the 4Cs that will serve as your guide in the pursuit of innovation and impact—Collaboration, Character, Competency, and Capacity.Collaboration
She urged them to always seek collaboration with other like minds on their Innovations saying Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation
"Seek out partners among your peers, across departments, with faculty, and even globally. Break down the silos; build bridges instead. Some of the most groundbreaking ideas emerge from teams that bring together diverse perspectives. Remember, you are part of a community that extends beyond these walls. Be like the ant—partner, collaborate, and form business groups. You can become the founders of the next Flutterwave or Paystack. Many great organizations thrive on partnerships, and collaboration can multiply your impact"
She also stressed the importance of good character, competence and capacity to excel in their daily activities
"In everything you do, character matters. Integrity, respect, and a strong sense of ethics will define your reputation far more than any degree or title. Stay grounded, and let your values be the foundation of your journey"
"To realize your ideas, you’ll need skills—often skills you may not acquire in the classroom alone. You are lifelong learners now, constantly adapting to a changing world. Technology, like artificial intelligence, is a great leveler, offering opportunities to master new skills. Embrace learning continuously, and develop the expertise to turn your ideas into reality"
The Vice-Chancellor added that the graduands must develop the capacity to actualize their respective career goals in life
I urge you to challenge the status quo, to question what seems immovable, and to approach life with a relentless pursuit of improvement and innovation.Every great leap in history was made by individuals who refused to settle for "good enough." When you encounter practices, beliefs, or structures that limit potential or prevent progress, do not merely accept them—challenge them. Let dissatisfaction with the ordinary drive you to create the extraordinary. Remember, change does not come from complacency; it comes from those brave enough to stand up, to speak out, and to act.
"I challenge each of you to step forward as influencers and change agents. In our world today, the power to create positive change doesn’t solely lie in positions of authority but in the courage to stand for what matters, to innovate, and to inspire others. As change agents, you have the power to identify needs in society and address them. Don’t be afraid to ask hard questions"
"Be Ambassadors of Integrity and Excellence: Your education here has been more than the pursuit of academic knowledge; it has also been an education in character, values, and integrity. Let these values guide every step you take", she admonished the graduands
Highpoint of the convocation included award of first degree to the 185 graduands and presentation of the prizes to 25 outstanding graduating students with First Class as well as Elegbede Hannah Oluwatimileyin who graduated with First Class (Mathematics Department) and Chineyemba Emmanuel Fidel who bagged Second Class Upper Division (Mass Communication Department) as best behaved female and male student for the 2024 set
Overall best graduating student, Omodehin Adeola Oluwasemilore with the CGPA of 4.99 from Department of Psychology, charged fellow graduands
to always be good ambassadors of the university by upholding its high principles of moral and academic excellence in their future endeavours
The activities marking the 6th Convocation of Chrisland University continue on Wednesday, October 30 with Valedictory programme in honour of the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Prof Chinedum Peace Babalola and later on Thursday, October 31 with a thanks giving service holding at main auditorium of the university
The university under the leadership of Prof. Chinedum Peace Babalola as Vice-Chancellor increased its academic programmes from nine to 24 programmes while the two colleges as at 2017 was expanded to four , namely College of Arts, Management and Social Sciences(CAMASS), College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CONAS), College of Basic Medical Sciences (COBAMS) and College of Law (COLAW) in addition to the latest addition of Faculty of Nursing Sciences which transformed from a department to a faculty within three years of introduction, making it the fastest growing programme to be fully accredited by the National Universities Commission
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