The Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji Arakeji  in Osun will continue to strive for excellence even as it placed third in the webometric ranking of private universities in the country, Prof. Olasebikan Fakolujo, Vice Chancellor said.

Fakollujo said this on Monday, in Ikeji Arakeji, at a news conference heralding the institution’s 13th convocation for the 2021/2022 academic session.

Fakolujo said that no fewer than 481 graduands would be awarded first degrees during its 13th convocation ceremony slated for Jan.27.

The VC said that the ceremony would also see the award of postgraduate degrees to 88 candidates with six out of the figure bagging their PhDs.

He further disclosed that three eminent Nigerians including the immediate past Corps Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, would be conferred with honourary doctorate degrees at the convocation.

Others listed for the awards are Sen. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, a  human right activist, lawyer and politician as well as Mr Aderemi Olowookere, the Chairman  Christy Caleb Foundation, a frontline entrepreneur and an astute philanthropist.

Fakolujo said that JABU was passionate about producing graduates that perform excellently in life.

“One of such excellent performance was recorded by one of our law graduates who passed out with a First Class Honours during the just concluded 2021/2022 academic session of the Nigerian Law School.

“This and many more notable feats keep attracting the interest of many prospective students desirous of studying at our institution.

“I am pleased to tell you that a 400-level student of the Department of Entrepreneur, Samuel Jesuyan, was appointed West Africa Youth Ambassador due to his laudable antecedents of dedication, hard work and diligence in service to humanity.

“He is an advocate and relentless crusader of promoting entrepreneurship for African youths. The award is the Nelson Mandela Leadership Award of Excellence and Integrity,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor said that the institution had been proactive in the area of security by collaborating with the Nigerian Police and Nigerian Air Force unit, based in the state, for safety of lives and property.

Fakolujo enumerated some major achievements by the university in the last academic year, adding that the university’s stakeholders had not rested on their oars in ensuring that JABU attained its desired aims and objectives.

“Not less than 10 members of staff bagged their PhDs in various fields and there was improved power supply to the campus through the introduction of solar streetlights,” he said.

The VC added that Dr  L. J. Babalola, the Acting Director, Research and Grant Management Office in the university won the International Foundation for Service grant of $11, 520.000.( NAN)