Daud Olatunji
The Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, has highlighted the institution’s contributions to tackling pressing national issues, including cancer, terrorism, and conflict resolution, as part of preparations for its 34th convocation ceremony.
Addressing journalists during a press conference held on Thursday, to herald the 34th convocation ceremony, Agboola disclosed that the university had developed innovative academic programmes and collaborative initiatives tailored to address the dual “cancers” of terrorism and kidnapping in Nigeria.
… Tackling Terrorism and Kidnapping with Forensic, Criminology Studies
PLATFORM TIMES reports that Agboola said in a bid to combat terrorism and kidnapping, the university introduced degree programmes in Criminology and Forensic Science.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, these programmes were developed based on empirical research and aim to equip students with practical skills.
“We are partnering with law enforcement agencies, including the police, and have integrated practical training into our curriculum,” he said.
He added that OOU has also collaborated with the University of Lancaster in the UK to offer joint degrees.
“Our students will spend two years here and two years at Lancaster, receiving world-class training to address issues of terrorism and conflict resolution effectively,” Agboola stated.
… Conflict Resolution Programmes for Community Leaders
He disclosed that in addition to academic offerings, the institution has partnered with Rotary International to train community leaders, such as traditional rulers and elders, on conflict resolution.
According to him,the training, fully funded by Rotary, aims to foster peace, particularly in border communities plagued by disputes.
“This initiative has been running for three months and has already started yielding results in resolving community conflicts,” Agboola noted.
… Advancing Cancer Research and Treatment
Prof. Agboola, a professor of Cancer Pathology, emphasized the university’s strides in addressing the medical and cultural challenges of cancer treatment in Nigeria.
He revealed that OOU now boasts of state-of-the-art equipment comparable to global standards, enabling the institution to provide cutting-edge cancer diagnosis and treatment.
He noted, however, that cultural barriers remain a significant obstacle.
“In our society, issues like a husband’s reluctance to check his wife’s breast for lumps contribute to late detection.
“ We are working to raise awareness and simplify self-examination techniques to overcome these challenges,” he explained.
…Celebrating Academic Excellence
Agboola also disclosed that the convocation ceremony will celebrate 6,039 graduands, including 115 first-class students, with the overall best student, Daua Aisha Anuoluwapo, graduating with a 4.87 CGPA from the Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences.
Prof. Agboola assured that all graduating students would receive their certificates and transcripts on the convocation day, addressing concerns over delays in document issuance.
…Honorary Degrees and Quality Assurance
Agboola also disclosed the stringent criteria for the university’s honorary degrees, emphasizing academic and professional contributions.
Announcing the recipient, Agboola said the university has approved the conferment of honorary Degree of Doctor of Science on a globally acclaimed consultant Ophthalmic surgeon and Chief Medical Director, Eye Foundation hospital group ,Dr. Adekunle Olubola Hassan.
According to Agboola, this year, the recipient is a notable figure who has published over 250 journal articles and contributed significantly to medical advancements and infrastructure development at OOU.
On the quality of education, the Vice-Chancellor reiterated that all academic programmes at OOU enjoy full accreditation.
He credited the institution’s Directorate of Quality Assurance for maintaining high standards.
… Strategic Impact on Society
The Vice-Chancellor stressed the university’s decade-long strategic plan, which aligns academic programmes with societal needs.
He highlighted high-demand courses like Estate Management, Quantity Surveying, Building Technology, and Medical Laboratory Science as examples of the institution’s responsiveness to professional gaps in Nigeria.
“All our programmes are designed to address societal issues. Through targeted research and strategic partnerships, we aim to produce graduates who can contribute meaningfully to national development,” he concluded.
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