The duo of Ajayi Jesulayomi Opeyemi of the Department of Electrical Electronics and Etieh Chinonso Justice were lucky beneficiaries of automatic employment in the Ogun State Public Service.
Mr. Ajayi Opeyemi was the best graduating student in the 2017/2018 set while Mr. Etieh Justice emerged the best graduating student in the 2018/2019 academic session.
The automatic employment offer was announced by His Excellency, the Governor of Ogun State and Visitor to the University, Prince Dapo Abiodun while delivering his address at the 28th/29th combined Convocation Ceremonies of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, for the 2017/2018 and 2018/2019 academic sessions.
“I congratulate all our graduands of today and, in particular, the best graduating student for the 2017/2018 session, Mr. Ajayi Jesulayomi Opeyemi, and, the best graduating student for the 2018/2019 session, Mr. Etieh Chinonso Justice. For the duo who have distinguished themselves, I have good news – automatic employment in the State Public Service,” declared, the Governor.
According to his Excellency, “this is a token of recognition that we hope will spur you to continue on the path of excellence in all you do.”
Thereafter, the Visitor to the University advised the graduands that their graduation ceremonies marked the end of a phase in their lives. He added that it was also a major transition into another phase of life as some of them might proceed in their academic pursuit to earn higher certificates. The Governor also told the graduands that “all of you are leaving the University with your certificates to go into the University of Life where paper certificate is just a part. Your true certificate in the University of Life are what you can do for yourself and what you contribute to the development of humanity.”
Speaking further, the Governor said the University had found the graduands worthy in character and learning and had inculcated in them necessary employable skills, expertise and technical competence they needed to fit in and compete well in the outside world.
He added that with the quality of education given to them, they were on the right path of becoming better global citizens. Prince Dapo Abiodun, expressed his belief that the academic and entrepreneurial training received by the graduands had actually put them in a vantage position to be employers of labour and job creators rather than be job seekers.
He, therefore, urged them to put on their thinking caps, be proactive and be competitive in life. Also charging them to be worthy ambassadors of the University by being diligent, dedicated and distinguishing themselves as proud alumni of Olabisi Onabanjo University.
In his speech as the Valedictorian for the 2017/2018 academic session, Mr. Ajayi Opeyemi recalled with nostalgia how with numerous of his colleagues and friends he weathered the storm of rigorous academic training the University offered them. He, however, have good story to tell at the end of the day when he told his fellow graduands that “we should all go out to the world to demonstrate our proficiency, skills and academic prowess to withstand competition and to excel in every area of human endeavour we might find ourselves.”
According to him, the University had sharpened their skills and given them the ticket to excel in life. Ajayi Opeyemi, therefore, challenged his colleagues to go to the world and unleash their potentials. Adding that they should be focused and resolute to achieve their aspirations by overcoming challenges.
Similarly, Mr. Etieh Justice who gave the valedictory speech on behalf of the 2018/2019 academic set advised his fellow graduands to be good leaders who would ultimately give back to the society. He urged them to remember their alma-mater by joining the alumni association.
“Let’s take the leap of faith, be good leaders who would ultimately give back as the pride and joy of our families, and as proud alumni, let us be determined to further strengthen the image of our alma mater, OOU, nationally and internationally. Let us join the alumni force in projecting the image of this great citadel of learning.”
Etieh Justice also commended the great efforts of the University Management for the rapid infrastructural development being witnessed in the University. In particular, he cited the construction of the 3,000 seater ICT Building which he said had eased the writing of examination by students in the University.
He added that the online uploading of results, e- registration of courses, improved library and laboratory facilities and the introduction of E- Transcript have all transformed the University into a 21st Century institution.
