THE 3RD CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF COVENANT UNIVERSITY: The Release of the Eagles June 9 – 15, 2008

The weeklong 3rd Convocation ceremony of Covenant University, 2008 kick off on a very high note on Monday, June 9, with a Special Convocation Assembly, held at the university chapel at 8 am. The day’s events were in three sessions – morning, afternoon and evening. The morning session, which was moderated by the Dean of Students’ Affairs was attended by the Chancellor, the university management, faculty and staff and students of Covenant University. The purpose of the event tagged “the reason for the season” was presented by the Vice Chancellor, recounting God’s extra-ordinary presence in Covenant University, evidenced by the University’s exceptional achievements and hitch free academic programmes. Hence the special assembly was marked by high praise and worship, prayers and thanksgiving. The Chancellor, Dr. D. Oyedepo on this note, called for full support and cooperation of all stakeholders and members of the university community to making Covenant University a world-class university. At the end of the morning session, the Chancellor declared open an exhibition of university products at the Centre for Learning Resources where guest and university management were also treated with light refreshment.

The afternoon session was a World Press Conference/Media Lunch held at the University’s Cafeteria 2 between 12 noon and 4 p.m. The press conference which brought together members of the press from both local and international media provided a forum where the Chancellor of Covenant University made a presentation and answered questions on the state of the University. The Chancellor also announced the approval of N1.165 billion for science equipment to enhance the teaching and research of science at the University.

The evening session was a Special Gospel Concert held at the University chapel. The concert was a gathering of both the CU choir and professional gospel artistes who treated the audience to a soul refreshing moments. Among the artistes were Funmi Adebola (Jehoshaphat Ministries), Beecrofts, Emma Emma etc.

The next day, Tuesday 10th June, 2008, witnessed the first convocation lecture titled: AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES IN THE 21ST CENTURY: ATTAINING GLOBAL RELEVANCE by his Excellency Professor Michael Omolewa, Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO. The lecture identified key development imperatives such as policy on research and development; policies for proper development of higher education, mobilization of funds by Education ministries for achievement of research agenda; strengthening national, regional and international networks/linkages to address research issues; formulation of adequate culture for disseminating research findings; development and implementation of transparent accounting systems etc. The convocation lecture was attended by students and members of the university community, participants from other universities and the French Village, members of the public and the media. The morning session ended at about 1 p.m. and followed immediately with a lunch and exhibition for all guests, members of the Board of Regents present, and the university management.

The evening session was a special Convocation Service held at the University, Chapel. The dazzling guest minister Pst. Paul Enenche, President, Dunamis Ministries, Abuja speaking on Romans 8:18 rehearsed the global challenges of poverty, HIV-AIDS, hunger and violence. He said Christians are change agents and must therefore address the issues of impact and relevance in the world. The Convocation Service was attended by the Chancellor, Dr. David Oyedepo, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aize Obayan, the Registrar faculty, members of the University management, faculty, staff and students of Covenant University and some guests.

The morning session of the events of Wednesday 11th June 2008 began with a special Convocation Parley on the subject: THE AFRICA DEVELOPMENT DILEMMA: BREAKING FREE FROM THE ENTRAPMENT OF GLOBALIZATION. Discussants included a representative from the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, and the Director of Education Affairs of NLNG, Mrs. Gloria Ikpeme and senior faculties of Covenant University.

Hooding Events took place in the afternoon at the three colleges of the university. The hooding event was a moment of homecoming for all graduands, featuring speeches by guest speakers, goodwill messages by parents, faculty and staff, presentation of prizes and awards, refreshments etc.

The evening session was a Variety Night and Alumni Presentation.
The second Convocation lecture was on Thursday 12th June, 2008 by Dr. Jim Ovia, the Managing Director of Zenith Bank International. The lecture was titled: CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AS A TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. The lectures traced the development of corporate social responsibility in advanced and developing economies with special interest in Nigeria. It identified trends in corporate partnership with educational institutions, international efforts to promoting corporate social responsibility and expectations for Nigeria towards 2025. The lecture again was attended by members of the public and the university community, staff of Zenith Bank International and members of the mass media.

Friday 13th June, 2008 was the grand finale of the events. The convocation proper tagged: Release of Eagles 2008 was hosted at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan land. This most colourful ceremony in recent times was witnessed by dignitaries from the Nigerian government, regional and the international community, including the governor of Taraba state, representatives of Lagos and Ogun states, the immediate past president of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Peter Okebukola, Vice-Chancellors and representatives of other universities in Nigeria and the United States. Others were members of the Board of Regents of Covenant University, members and pastors Living Faith Church, World-wide, parents and well-wisher and members of the mass media. On the whole the University graduated a total of 1,121 students, including 1,074 first degrees, 40 masters and seven (7) PhDs. 64 graduated with first class, 531 with second class upper, 433 with second class lower, and 46 with third class. The convocation ceremony ended with a grand recession for all visitors and guests at the luxury University cafeteria 2.