Convocation Lecture

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    Address By The Pro-Chancellor Of The University Of Lagos, Alhaji Garba Ja Abdulkadir, O.F.R. At The 23rd Convocation Ceremonies. (1990 Matriculation and Convocation Speeches)
    (University Of Lagos Press, 1990-04-14) Abdulkadir, G. J.
    This article analyzes the 1990 matriculation address delivered by Professor Nurudeen Alao, then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, focusing on its themes, tone, and institutional significance within Nigeria’s higher education landscape. Delivered in a period marked by social unrest and economic uncertainty following the anti-Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) protests, the speech underscores the importance of peace, discipline, and intellectual engagement as core values of university life. Professor Alao uses the occasion to formally induct over 3,000 new students, reinforcing their responsibilities as members of an academic community committed to scholarship, character formation, and civic responsibility. He frames the matriculation ceremony not merely as a rite of passage, but as a moral and academic contract between the university and its students. Key elements of the speech include a call to uphold university regulations, a reminder of the privileges and limits of academic freedom, and an emphasis on maintaining institutional heritage and resources. The speech also highlights the competitive nature of university admissions and the diverse opportunities for student involvement in governance and decision-making processes. In his address, Professor Alao draws attention to the need for critical thinking, respect for institutional values, and the cultivation of peaceful dialogue in times of dissent. His message is one of balance: encouraging vibrancy within lawful boundaries and advocating for freedom that does not compromise order. The address thus serves as both a vision statement and a behavioral guide for incoming students. It reflects the broader ethos of Nigerian public universities at a critical moment in history, where leadership, stability, and educational purpose intersect. This analysis situates the speech within the context of academic leadership and institutional resilience during political and economic transition.
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    Open Access
    Address By Chief S.O. Adebo, Chancellor of The University Of Lagos At The University's Congregation. (1990 Matriculation and Convocation Speeches)
    (University Of Lagos Press, 1990-03-14) Adebo, S.O.
    This article explores the 1990 convocation address delivered by Chief S. O. Adebo, Chairman of the University of Lagos, at a period marked by deep introspection and calls for reform in Nigeria’s higher education system. Speaking to a gathering of academics, students, and dignitaries—including the Minister of Education and representatives of the Federal Government—Chief Adebo uses the occasion to reflect on the role of universities as enduring communities of learning. He begins by acknowledging goodwill messages from state and federal authorities, before transitioning into a candid commentary on the diminishing public regard for universities and academic staff. Adebo expresses concern that, in some quarters, Nigerian universities and those who teach in them are viewed with skepticism or even contempt—a perception he finds deeply troubling. While refraining from assigning blame, he underscores the need for urgent systemic reform, pointing out that the sector is burdened by “intolerable constraints,” the most critical of which is chronic underfunding. The address serves as both a defense of the academic community and a rallying call for national stakeholders—including the government and the general public—to collaborate in addressing the structural, financial, and reputational challenges facing Nigerian higher education. Adebo balances his critique with admiration for the many dedicated scholars who continue to uphold academic standards under difficult circumstances. His speech emphasizes the importance of restoring the dignity, autonomy, and vitality of the university system in order to maintain its relevance in national development. By highlighting both the struggles and the promise of Nigerian academia, the address reinforces the moral and civic imperative to preserve the university as a sanctuary of knowledge and enlightenment.
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    Open Access
    "Taking Advantasge Of A Depressing Nigeria Economy To Accelerate Socio-Economic Development" (2013/2014 Convocation Lecture University Of Lagos)
    (University of Lagos Press and Bookshop Limited, 2015-04-27) Okebukola. P.
    This paper critically examines Professor Peter A. Okebukola’s 2013/2014 Convocation Lecture delivered at the University of Lagos, which offered an optimistic and strategic outlook on navigating Nigeria’s economic downturn. The lecture posits that despite prevailing economic challenges—characterized by declining oil revenues, high unemployment, infrastructure decay, and a strained education sector—Nigeria retains significant potential for socio-economic advancement. Okebukola argues that crises such as economic depressions often serve as catalytic moments for transformational change, if properly managed. Drawing from historical precedents and empirical data, the speaker advocates for an urgent rethinking of national priorities, with emphasis on investment in human capital, science and technology, education reform, and the diversification of the economy beyond oil dependency. He identifies education—particularly higher education—as a cornerstone of innovation and productivity, urging the government to make targeted investments in research, entrepreneurial education, and vocational training to reposition Nigeria competitively in the global economy. Furthermore, he calls for improved governance, reduction of systemic corruption, and a stronger focus on youth empowerment as critical levers for change. The address underscores the role of universities as think tanks for public policy and as engines for sustainable development, especially during periods of fiscal austerity. In conclusion, Okebukola delivers a message of hope: that with the right policy choices, Nigeria can turn its economic distress into an opportunity for comprehensive development and global relevance.
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    Open Access
    UNILAG And University Missions: Past, Future And The Globe (2010 Convocation Lecture)
    (Medilag Press, UNILAG, 2011-01-13) Alao, N.O.
    This paper examines the evolving role of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) within the broader context of university missions—past, present, and future—while highlighting the institution’s responses to global trends in higher education. Drawing on the 2010 Convocation Lecture, the author provides a critical reflection on UNILAG’s foundational objectives, its trajectory over the decades, and its alignment with the traditional triad mission of universities: teaching, research, and community service. The analysis underscores how the university has navigated socio-political challenges, resource constraints, and changing policy frameworks to uphold academic excellence and societal relevance. In anticipating the future, the lecture advocates for a redefinition of university missions to address global imperatives such as technological innovation, climate change, global health, and international collaboration. The author contends that African universities, including UNILAG, must become globally competitive while remaining locally impactful. Emphasis is placed on quality assurance, entrepreneurial education, strategic partnerships, and robust governance structures as critical enablers of transformation. Through a blend of historical narrative and visionary discourse, the lecture calls for institutional introspection and purposeful reform. The global university model is presented not as a wholesale importation of Western standards but as a context-sensitive reimagining of what it means to educate for the 21st century and beyond. Ultimately, the paper challenges stakeholders to reposition UNILAG as a catalyst for national development and a key player in the global knowledge economy.
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    Open Access
    "I Wish I Can See You". Address Of The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oluwatoyin T. Ogundipe, FAS. 52nd (2020) Convocation Ceremonies Of The University Of Lagos
    (Univversity of Lagos Press and bookshop Limited, 2022-01-20) Ogundipe, O.T
    The 52nd Convocation Ceremonies of the University of Lagos held in January 2020 marked a significant milestone in the institution’s history, celebrating academic achievement across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The three-day event featured morning and afternoon sessions, culminating in the conferment of degrees, diplomas, and certificates to a total of 12,217 students. Of this figure, 7,799 were awarded first degrees and diplomas, while 4,418 received postgraduate qualifications, including 145 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. A faculty-by-faculty breakdown revealed substantial output in Education, Management Sciences, and the Distance Learning Institute, underscoring the university’s strategic focus on expanding access and academic diversity. Gender-disaggregated statistics highlighted the broad participation of both male and female graduates, with 274 students earning First Class honours and distinctions. The convocation also spotlighted outstanding achievers: Ekeoseye Elizabeth Osereme, a Zoology graduate with a CGPA of 4.95, emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student, while Umudu Joy Chinyere received the award for Best PhD Thesis in Science. The ceremonies also honored exceptional doctoral research in Humanities and Management, reinforcing the university’s role in fostering high-impact scholarship. The convocation week commenced with a pre-convocation press briefing and included interfaith thanksgiving events, emphasizing a blend of academic, cultural, and spiritual observances. With this convocation, the current administration celebrated a cumulative graduation of 53,420 students over four cycles (49th to 52nd), affirming the university’s commitment to excellence in tertiary education. The report offers valuable insights into graduation trends, student demographics, and institutional growth, contributing to discussions on higher education metrics and performance in Nigeria.