Michael And Cecilia Ibru University Celebrates Her 2nd And 3rd Combined Convocation Ceremony And 5th Annual Memorial Lecture.
Amidst distinguished and eminent personalities, proud parents, and well-wishers, Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU) celebrated its Second and Third Combined Convocation Ceremony and Fifth Annual Olorogun (Dr) Michael C.O. Ibru Memorial Lecture at the Power of Faith Building, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.
This year’s ceremony began with a beehive of activities lined up by the University Management.
On Friday 31st August 2021, the Michael and Cecilia Ibru University drama troupe led by Mr.Ken Ayogu did an interesting drama presentation titled Another Chance. The drama captivated the audience as everyone was glued to their seats.
On Saturday, the Michael and Cecilia Foundation had a Free Medical Outreach in honour of its founder, Olorogun (Dr) Michael C.O. Ibru, OFR (1930-2016). The Outreach had in attendance over 295 participants, 11 Doctors, and 10 Nurses. The Michael and Cecilia Foundation distributed 50 free lenses to people with eye defects and free drugs to every participant.
An Interdenominational thanksgiving service heralded the week-long activities which led up to the Convocation. At the Sunday thanksgiving service, Rev. Canon Gabriel Kpangban thanked Almighty God for His Faithfulness and mercies over the entire school community.
While admonishing the graduating class, on the parable of the leper (Luke 17: 12-19), Rev. Canon Gabriel Kpangban emphasized the need to always give thanks at all times.
The Convocation Ceremony had dignitaries from all works of life such as Emir of Lafia, Rtd Justice Sidi Mohammed Bage, The Ovie of Uvwie, HRM (Dr) Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1, The Ovie of Effurun Otor, HRM King Duku II and Vice Chancellors of various tertiary institutions.
The Convocation Ceremony was declared open by the Chancellor, Dr. Cecilia Ibru. In her welcome address, Dr. Cecilia Ibru congratulated the graduands on ending their academic journey successfully. She further urged them to continually imbibe excellence in all that they do.
“MCIU has groomed you to be nation builders. Continually seek out opportunities to make a lasting positive impact while contributing to the advancement and stability of every society where you take up residence. This is especially important in today’s world of increasing volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.”
The Pro-Chancellor, Prof.Gbewa Hugbo spoke on the need for parents to see the need to send their wards to private universities in Nigeria because they have an uninterrupted academic calendar and study plan.
Veteran Broadcaster and Former Executive Director, Nigerian Television Authority, Olorogun. Peter Igho gave a highly engaging talk on the topic he titled: You can be the Best. He shared his struggles to succeed and also pointed out that nothing good comes easy. Do not expect an easy ride or free handouts.
“The difference between good and excellent is not knowledge but the knowledge that is supported with dedication, hard work, creativity, integrity, and sacrifice. There will be difficulties and disappointments but always pull yourself up and learn from your mistakes and move on.”
The guest lecturer, Olorogun (Arch) Charles Majoroh gave a talk on the Memorial Lecture theme- The Nigeria of the Future.
“The future can be very definitive in the mind of planners but when we refer same to the human scale, it can either be personal(for the writer and listener) in terms of a lifespan or generic in terms of the calendar of events that have taken place, or that are happening or shall come to pass in the life of this nation.”
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof.Ibiyinka Fuwape, in her address reported the rapid growth of the University, which was made possible by partnerships and collaborations with other universities in Nigeria and abroad.
These partnership agreements would allow the university access to funds from international organizations and foundations for collaborative research activities and the provision of equipment to enhance teaching, research, and development.
The university signed MOUs with Private laboratories and Bioresources Development Centre, an arm of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. MCIU in collaboration with HERPNET successfully hosted the 14th Regional Higher Education Research and Policy Network (HERPNET) conference.
The highlight of the event was the Conferment of First degrees, Honorary Doctorates, and Presentation of Prizes. Among the 186 graduating students for the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 Academic Session, The Class of 2019/2020 Academic Session had 110 graduands with 13 First Class honours, 50 Second Class (upper) honours, 46 with Second Class Lower honours degree and 1 third class degree.
The Class of 2020/2021 Academic Session had 75 graduands with 3 First Class honours, 8 Second Class (upper) honours, 28 with Second Class Lower honours degree and 37 third class degrees.
Honorary Doctorate Degree of Letters was awarded on Olorogun Peter Igho, and Olorogun (Arch) Charles O. Majoroh was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Science
The Valedictorian, Egberi Temple Blessing, said: “I would love to congratulate my co-graduands for being Alumni of this great institution of learning”.
Blessing said the Journey for the past four years has not been easy, but we are all here today celebrating our achievement as we march towards our future destination
The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Cecilia Ibru and a closing prayer by Dr. D. D Whawo
images from the event
