…Graduands share their life-changing experiences
SU as the university is called was founded in 2007 by Archbishop Sam Amaga of the Salem International Christian Centre. It recently held a joint convocation ceremony for its pioneer graduands and the set following.
In no time, officials of the institution had begun to file out for the ritual academic procession. Leading the pack were the chancellor, Archbishop Amaga; the vice chancellor, Professor Joseph Fuwape, and the academic team.
Being the institution’s first, the occasion attracted many people from various walks of life – mostly parents of the graduands. Everyone was in high spirits. Soon, it was time for the graduating students to speak about life after graduation. It was a testimony session during which the graduands spoke largely about how much university education had influenced their lives. It was an exercise that might enrich university education in the country if the culture was imbibed and fine tuned and students made to embrace values that might change their future. Everyone listened intently as the graduands one after the other, spoke about the transformational changes that had taken place in their lives in the past years.
Taking the first shot was Shembere Gwatana, who graduated with honours in Business Administration; he was later posted to Osun State for his national service.
He spoke on the need for everyone to be appreciative of even the least gesture. He narrated how he and his colleagues were posted to Anglican Commercial Secondary School, Osogbo, to teach Agricultural Science. But while others turned down the offer, he returned to the principal to express his appreciation. He said the principal was particularly touched by his rare show of gratitude. He recalled that when the principal later read a book he wrote on religious knowledge, she posted him to teach the subject because for 12 years, the school hadn’t had a teacher for it and he did not disappoint. He said he left an indelible mark, which the school had kept recounting months after he left. “I still get letters from students, saying thank you. Some teachers there also call to tell me how impressed they were.”
He thanked his lecturers for teaching him to appreciate little gestures, saying: “They taught us to say thanks for every little deed. I also got to know that the more you thank people, the more they are motivated to help you in future.”
“I’m very glad to recall that at our final departure after the service year, we were scored on a scale of performance. I scored 97 per cent, a score, which the school had never recorded in years.”
Next to tell about her experiences was Nnanna Yvonne, who studied Accounting. She said she featured prominently at the school’s Total Leadership Training Concept (TLTC), a programme, which trained global leaders. She said the programme taught her to create rather than seek jobs. “For that reason, I set up a business on campus, called Fabulous Supermarket, where I sold sachet water. This has helped me to develop acute entrepreneurial skills. I now run ran a thriving venture in less than two years after graduation,” she said.
Shortly after, Mercy Tokula took her turn to speak. Tokula studied Economics but has already veered into events management. She said her university education had made her ‘bold”, noting that “now I’m more confident than ever. Recalling that she was also engaged in guidance and counseling, she said: “l thank God for his unspeakable gifts to me in teaching guidance and counseling. I tell you that I’m excelling, thanks to SU.”
In like manner, Rachael Uche recalled how Criminology and Penology which she studied opened doors for her when she got posted to the 245 Battalion, Nigeria Army, Afi Barracks, Ikom, Cross Rivers State for her national ser. “I was appointed secretary of the barracks corps members group, which organised seminars and Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) classes for secondary schools in the area,” she recalled.
Also speaking in like manner, Comfort Okayi described her university experience as “simply unforgettable.” A graduate of Business Administration, Okayi said: “I now have this felling that I can positively influence my world.”
Not left out on the occasion was Awojobi Oluyemi, who graduated in Information Technology and Communication (ICT). Looking straight into the crowd, he said: “I’m a lot spiritually awakened, morally conscious and academically refined,” drawing applause as he spoke. Then he added: “I have been able to discover within me several talents and potentials. I have acquired skills which have helped me to be innovative. I believe I have this competitive edge as an entrepreneur if I go in the labour market.”
The testimony session hit a more interesting and stimulating height when Lidani Kwagam who read Geology spoke. He said earlier, he perceived himself as a never-do-well fellow, but his university education had erased all that self perception. “I was once ruled by mediocrity; at a point, it was my comfort zone. But at university, I felt academically, morally and spiritually nurtured. I experienced a holistic uplifting in life; I have done away with old, bad habits and negative addictions.
“I have gradually imbibed the virtue of integrity. I now see myself standing firm on my own principles even when the whole world seems to turn against me.”
Ladani was complimented on the occasion by his colleague Haruna Abdulraman, who also read ICT. Lidani drew ovation when he announced that he left the institution with more than a degree. “I enrolled for an academic degree but got more than that. The university is not just an academic ground but a place where men are made. Right now, I feel equipped. While at school, I learnt that integrity is key. This is what every one of us needs now to change their world.”
The chancellor, Archbishop Amaga, who listened patiently as the graduands spoke, thanked them for their presentations. While assuring future improvement in the institution, he said: “The University would continue to raise godly and global leaders who will dazzle the world with their academic prowess as well as impeccable character.”
He promised improved curriculum, and infrastructure, further assuring that the academic and none academic staff of the institution would be motivated to make the environment “a world class citadel with proven track records of service delivery and global transformation.”
It was not a session for the graduands and the authorities alone. Some parents of the former students, expressed delight at the positive values their children and wards had learnt.
Mr. James Obong said: “I’m a lot more convinced after hearing these brilliant testimonies of the graduads.” Similarly, another parent, Mrs. Salome Giwa, said: “I have listened to those testimonies; they were wonderful. I’m praying that in two years, my son too will do the same. I would be a proud woman on the occasion.”
The post Excitement as Salem University holds inaugural convocation appeared first on The Sun News.
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