Dangote, Osundare, Amao bag UI Doctorate awards
Three distinguished Nigerians comprising Africa’s richest entrepreneur, Alhaji Aliko Dangote as well as the world-renowned literary giant, Professor Niyi Osundare and the Asiwaju of Ibadanland, Chief Bode Amao are to be awarded the honorary Doctorate degrees of the University of Ibadan on the occasion of the institution’s Founder’s Day anniversary billed for Thursday, November 17, […]
Three distinguished Nigerians comprising Africa’s richest entrepreneur, Alhaji Aliko Dangote as well as the world-renowned literary giant, Professor Niyi Osundare and the Asiwaju of Ibadanland, Chief Bode Amao are to be awarded the honorary Doctorate degrees of the University of Ibadan on the occasion of the institution’s Founder’s Day anniversary billed for Thursday, November 17, 2016.
This was announced on Monday by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka.
Addressing journalists as part of activities heralding the varsity’s maiden Research and Development Fair code-named UI-Town Connect 2016, as a prelude to the convocation ceremony, the Vice Chancellor disclosed that a total of 5,598 undergraduates; 265 Diplomas; 3,579 Masters and 442 PhD and one Doctor of Medicine certificates would be rolled out at the event, where the institution will produce the highest number of PhD in a single year.
Commenting on the honorary doctorate degree awardees, the Vice Chancellor told newsmen that UI is showcasing Alhaji Aliko Dangote "not just because he is rich, but because of his entrepreneurial spirit."
"He is building the biggest refinery in the world in Lagos State which is going to employ thousands and thousands of our country men and women. So, we are going to showcase his as a very successful entrepreneur," the VC noted with delight.
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor acknowledged the remarkable contributions of the two other awardees, Professor Niyi Osundare and 84-year-old entrepreneur, Chief Bode Amao, to humanity submitting that they have individually distinguished themselves, as good role models.
Flanked by the Chairperson of the Research and Development Fair, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, the Vice Chancellor said the two-day Fair to be presided over by Mr. Paul Miyonmide Gbedebo, the Group Managing Director of Nigeria Four Mills is aimed at showcasing the high-quality research breakthroughs from the University of Ibadan, as a world-class institution of learning, with a view to enabling industrialists see the potentials of the University and impact positively on the nation.
In her remark, Professor Adeyemo said the Research and Development Fair, which is an idea to bring the town and the gown together, would henceforth be an annual pre-Convocation event in the University, adding that the institution is looking forward for Public Private Partnership (PPP) collaboration to promote research innovations.