By Adebayo Olodan
Premier Muslim faith-based institution, Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, produced 20 first class graduates for the 2017/18 academic session.
This was disclosed on Saturday by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Taofeek Ibrahim during the 8th convocation ceremony of the institution at the University Auditorium.
According to the VC, out of a total of 876 graduates, 798 graduated with degrees, 61 are postgraduates while 16 others obtained sub-degree diplomas.
Speaking further, Ibrahim said 206 among the first degree graduands made Second Class Upper Division, 421 made Second Class Lower Division and 144 graduated with Third Class Honours. Also, seven others graduated with Pass.
He added that there is a marked improvement in the academic performance of the students in the last four years based on statistics.
For the current academic session, 3 per cent of the graduates made first class compared to the 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/2017 sessions where 2.1 per cent, 2.5 per cent and 1.9 per cent of the graduands made the grade in that order.
The Vice Chancellor however charged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the institution at all times.
“As you venture into the world of struggles, you should dare to excel and the wisdom to understand that you must stoop to conquer.
“Humility therefore must be your hallmark, excellence and not mediocrity, honesty and integrity must be your watchwords to succeed,” he said, adding that the graduands must not neglect the fact that hard work and righteousness are prerequisites for their success.
Speaking on challenges confronting the school, Prof. Ibrahim called on well-meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the university through provision of blocks of hostels, lecture theatres, library expansion and office accommodation among others.
He however appreciated the consistent support of the Chancellor, Alh. (Dr) Sayyu Dantata, Board of Trustee (BoT) Chairman, Prof. Idris Mohammed, the Governing Council, the National Universities Commission and the Kwara State Government.
In his remarks, the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed described Al-Hikmah as a fast growing university, which has contributed immensely to manpower and community development in the state and Nigeria at large.
Ahmed, who was represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Science & Technology, Barr. Abdullahi Alikinla, however, appreciated the founder, Chief (Dr) Abdulraheem Oladimeji for his foresight in establishing the institution.
He also congratulated Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, former minister of Transport, Alh. Suleiman Yusuf and Chief Executive Officer of Max Air, Alh. Dahiru Barau Mangal, for the honorary doctorate degree conferred on them by the university.
In his speech, Masari said since his administration came on board in 2015, it priortised education in order to transform the society.
“This was done in line with the fact that Katsina was an important centre of learning in West Africa equalled only in prominence to Timbuktu in present day Mali.
“I am happy to say most of our programmes and reforms which are integral part of our restoration agenda have started yielding visible, positive and impressive results, the governor said, while adding that students’ enrolment has improved substantially.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of prizes to best graduating student from various departments and faculties.
