Michael And Cecilia Ibru University 9th Matriculation Ceremony

Amidst distinguished guests, matriculants, proud parents, school faculty members and well-wishers, Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU) celebrated its 9th Matriculation Ceremony at the Power of Faith Building, MCIU, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.

Apr 6, 2024 - 17:40

Michael And Cecilia Ibru University 9th Matriculation Ceremony

Amidst distinguished guests, matriculants, proud parents, school faculty members and well-wishers, Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU) celebrated its 9th Matriculation Ceremony at the Power of Faith Building, MCIU, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State.

The ceremony began with the academic procession, after which the Master of Ceremony, Mr Festus Anyasi, invited the Chancellor, Dr Cecilia Ibru, who was ably represented by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ibiyinka Fuwape, FNIP, to constitute the Assembly and officially declare the ceremony open.

After that, the Director of Estate, Mr Mark Amu, on behalf of the Chancellor delivered the welcome address charging the matriculating students to actively run with a vision and be worthy ambassadors of the University.

Dr Cecilia Ibru, in her address, charged the matriculants to embrace Artificial Intelligence as it not only helps keep up with technological trends but fosters a mindset of curiosity, innovation, and adaptation. She added that as students of the university, the matriculants now have a unique opportunity to not only learn about AI but to actively engage with it, to push its boundaries, and to explore its limitless possibilities.

She further opined that as future leaders, innovators, and changemakers, all students have a collective responsibility to harness the power of AI for the greater good, to ensure that it serves humanity and enhances humanity’s well-being.

In her opening address, the Vice-Chancellor of MCIU, Prof. Ibiyinka Fuwape, congratulated the new students and their parents for witnessing such a great occasion.

While giving a brief history of the university, she said the university has successfully completed eight academic sessions and graduated 5 sets already. She added that the university recently received approval from the Nigerian Universities Commission to start three new undergraduate programmes, namely Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, and Agricultural Science. The Vice-Chancellor also announced that a School of Postgraduate Studies has been established, making the university a fully research-based institution.

The Vice-Chancellor then advised the matriculants to be diligent and industrious in their academic pursuits. She urged them to shun vices like examination malpractice, cultism, sexual harassment, and fighting as they attract sanctions that can lead to rustication or expulsion as the university has zero tolerance for cultism and unwholesome behaviour.

Prof Ibiyinka Fuwape closed by welcoming the Guest Speaker, Professor Leslie Eyesan Dabor, and wished the university’s co-founder, Dr. Cecilia Ibru, a happy birthday.

The Guest Speaker of the occasion, Erudite academician Prof Eyesan Dabor, spoke on the topic, Technology, University Education and Development in Nigeria. In his address, the Guest Speaker discussed the challenges facing university education and technology development in Nigeria. He highlighted the country’s slow progress due to a lack of economic growth, increasing population without quality, and hindrance from foreign product access. He emphasized the significant gap in GDP per capita between Nigeria and other African countries, comparing it to the impact of population growth and natural resources on economic development. He also underscored the importance of investing in research and development, and criticized the current allocation of education budget in Nigeria, advocating for improved budget monitoring and enforcement.

Professor Dabor addressed the evolution of technology, its impact on society, and its role in shaping future development. He highlighted the significance of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things in the fourth industrial revolution, and discussed the role of education in promoting personal development and technological innovation.

While speaking, Prof Dabor also proposed increased funding for research and development in higher education institutions and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the private and public sectors. He concluded by stressing the need for universities to be a hub for ideas and transformative innovation and argued that building universities around the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals would contribute to Nigeria’s development.

Dr. Thomas N. Kolo, the university’s Registrar, was invited to the podium after Prof Dabor’s presentation to administer the matriculation oath, which the students pledged to uphold the University’s values and rules.

To celebrate the Co-founder’s birthday, the group of schools organized a musical tribute and a special presentation from the students of the Michael and Cecilia Foundation Demonstration Schools.

Dr Cecilia Ibru, who joined the Matriculation Ceremony via Zoom, expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the celebration.

She encouraged the students to prioritize knowledge and hard work, emphasizing the importance of using that knowledge for the betterment of society. She also expressed gratitude for the contributions made to the matriculation ceremony and praised the Vice Chancellor, the musical ensemble, and the head of music.

The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Allswell OsiniMuzan, gave the vote of thanks, applauding the Co-founder Dr Cecilia Ibru for her foresight and motherly love while admonishing parents to continue supporting their children in ensuring they get the best form of education.

The ceremony concluded with a procession and the playing of the national anthem.