Skyline University Nigeria, Kano, has conferred honorary doctorate degrees on former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, and Indian philanthropist, Mrs. Vandana Luthra. The awards were presented during the institution's fifth convocation ceremony, where 237 students graduated with various degrees. The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the university, established in 2018.
The convocation ceremony saw 237 students graduate with bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Of these, 183 students received bachelor's degrees, 41 secured higher degrees, and 13 earned doctoral degrees. The graduating students achieved notable academic success, with 30 obtaining first-class honors, 89 graduating with second-class upper division, and 64 securing second-class lower division. The university's vice-chancellor, Prof. Ajith Kumar, announced the National Universities Commission's approval of three new academic programs.
The approved programs include B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence, B.Sc. Public Health, and B.Sc. Islamic Economics and Finance. Notably, Skyline University is the first institution in the North-West to receive NUC approval for a B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence program. In addition, the university has introduced a postgraduate scholarship scheme, offering 50 percent scholarships to its best-performing graduating students. This initiative aims to support academic excellence and encourage further education.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in a recorded address, urged Nigerian youths to reject divisive campaigns and take responsibility for shaping the country's future. He emphasized the need for young Nigerians to be positively disruptive in driving change and development. Obasanjo cited examples of former leaders who championed change, including Aminu Kano, Anthony Enahoro, General Murtala Mohammed, and himself. He warned that their education would be wasted if they failed to contribute to national development.
Obasanjo encouraged youths to recognize their common aspirations for security, peace, employment, and a better society, rather than allowing themselves to be divided along ethnic, religious, and regional lines. He stressed that young people must be proactive in creating the change they desire. The former president's address resonated with the graduands, who are poised to make a positive impact in their respective fields.
Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, in his remarks, described the honorary doctorate as an affirmation of his service and a renewed commitment to contributing to society. He commended the university's academic standards, noting that the graduation of its first 13 doctoral scholars marked a significant milestone in its development. Rasheed's sentiments were echoed by other dignitaries present at the ceremony.
The convocation ceremony also featured a call for greater investment in human capital by former Anambra State Governor and NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi. He emphasized that education is the foundation of national development and urged the government to support young entrepreneurs. The ceremony concluded with a sense of optimism and a renewed commitment to academic excellence and national development.
Key points
- Obasanjo urges Nigerian youths to be positively disruptive in driving change and development.
- Skyline University Nigeria introduces new academic programs, including B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence.
- The university awards 50 percent postgraduate scholarships to its best-performing graduating students.
