On Tuesday, 17 November 2020, was organized the Graduation ceremony of the fourth batch of PhD students of the Pan African University Institute for Life and Earth Sciences including Health and Agriculture (PAULESI). This was part of the seventy-two Foundation Day ceremony of the University of Ibadan, for the admission to Higher Degrees (Doctorate) and award of honorary degrees.
The ceremony was attended by many participants, including the AU delegation led by H.E. Prof. Sarah Anyang Agbor, the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, The Governor of Oyo State, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the staff of the University of Ibadan and PAULESI, students and guests.
The ceremony started with the entry of the academic procession and singing of national and university anthems. This was followed by the constitution of the congregation by the Chancellor and presentation of a visitor by the Pro-Chancellor.
Various addresses were delivered including that of the Chancellor, the Pro-Chancellor and the Vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan. The Commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology, H.E. Prof. Sarah Anyang Agbor also took the floor and started her remarks by conveying AUC Chairperson’s greetings to the participants. She said this graduation ceremony was special as the graduands were able to complete their studies despite the COVID-19 pandemic. She referred to graduation as a celebration of academic achievement, the beginning of a new chapter in life; but, added that success depends on the graduands’ choices.
She proceeded by describing the collaboration between PAU and the University of Ibadan as a measure of achievement for the African Union and congratulated as well as appreciated the Government of Nigeria for its support in implementing the PAU and especially PAULESI project. She concluded her speech wishing well to the graduands.
The Commissioner baptizes the batch as a class of RESILIENCE & SURVIVAL: NEW INNOVATIVE LIVING PROOF OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SCIENTIFIC INTERVENTION & DIGITALISATION.
The conferment of Honorary Degrees was done by the Chancellor of the University of Ibadan. A brief response by the honorees of the day was delivered, followed by the conferment of Degrees of Doctor of Philosophy to the graduands of PAULESI and the University of Ibadan.
Following an address by the Visitor, the congregation was closed by the Chancellor with the singing of university and national anthems and exit of the academic procession in reverse order.
Chancelle Bilampassi Moutsatsi PAU Communication Officer