The University began its weeklong celebration of the 23rd, 24th and 25th Combined Convocation Ceremonies with a Special Jumat and Interdenominational Church Service. Speaking at the Jumat Service, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ololade Enikuomehin, thanked Almighty Allah for His mercies and the grace of life, saying that “The grace of having to come back together as a family to beseech Thee and reckon with the fact that despite all odds, we are still a people who can find meaning to our corporate existence”. Professor Enikuomehin noted that the University had gotten out of the woods, adding that the Jumat Service was a symbol to the fact that no matter how bad things were, it could get better.
Referring to himself as AbdulTaofiq, Professor Enikuomehin acknowledged publicly that the peace, success and grace that the University was enjoying was the product of a collective effort. He thanked Almighty Allah for the grace of providing the Principal Officers at that particular period.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of FUNAAB Mosque, Professor Idris Ayinde stated that the Combined Convocation Ceremonies were landmark achievements in the annals of the University, commending the Acting Vice-Chancellor on the appointments of three Principal Officers for the University. He noted that the process for the appointments was widely adjudged by majority as free and fair. Congratulating the graduands and referring to the recent publication that FUNAAB graduates as one of the most employable graduates in Nigeria; the Chief Imam said it was an important feat, as they had passed through the University while FUNAAB had also passed through them. He, however, charged them not to rest on their oars but integrate themselves properly into the larger society. The Amir of the University’s Muslim community, Professor Kehinde Okeleye, stated that the organisation of the outstanding backlog of convocation ceremonies was an indication of a return to normalcy in activities, adding that apart from lectures and examination schedules, University ceremonies like convocation were indication of a normal functioning University.
In a related development, the Chaplain of the Chapel of Grace of the University, Professor Christian Ikeobi, has foretold that there were glorious days ahead for the University, as he called for all hands to be on deck to further stimulate the glory and laudable achievements of the University. Professor Ikeobi stated this in his ministerial address at the Interdenominational Service held at the Chapel of Grace, heralding the 23rd, 24th, and 25th Combined Convocation Ceremonies. Delivering the address themed, “Receiving the Glory Back in an ever Increasing Measure”, he recalled previous giant and enviable strides of the University, praying for a return to the glorious moment in an increasing measure.
The man of God, a former Dean, College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), of the University, defined glory as a grace from God while citing spiritual and physical fortifications as its attributes. He centred his sermon principally on biblical notes from the books of John, Job, Exodus and Proverbs. He stated that FUNAAB was a well-established University, adding that the University was once the first among universities in the country and a prominent research centre in Nigeria, praying for ever increasing glories and feats for the University. Professor Ikeobi, who noted that an individual, institution or nation could be stripped-off of its glory, but highlighted that sin, idolatry, sickness, laziness, ignorance, prayerlessness, fear, wrong company, wrong leadership, negative words and death were the underlying factors that could lead to loss of glory. He equally admonished the congregation to pray for the University and continue to work to project the glory of FUNAAB.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ololade Enikuomehin, praised God for all He had done for the University, just as he appreciated all the staff and students of the University for gracing the Interdenominational Service. He prayed that none of the people in the gathering would leave the University empty-handed. In an emotional disposition, Professor Enikuomehin stated that the world was amazed that FUNAAB had recovered so soon from the crises, pleading with members of the University community to keep pace with whatever they were doing to sustain peace. According to him, “Let’s keep doing our best, while we keep appreciating God for that, we have to thank everyone that has helped in rebuilding the University. God has chosen to bless FUNAAB. God has blessed FUNAAB. So, let us join hands and join the cause”. He also warned people from working against the University.
Professor Enikuomehin, who is a Fellow of the Nigerian Society for Plant Protection, prayed that the glory of the latter years would be greater than the former in the life of the University, expressing appreciation to God for seeing him through as he was about to step aside as the University’s Acting Vice-Chancellor. He lauded the students and urged them to always explore official avenues to express their views or grievances, as he equally urged the faithfuls to continue to pray for the University and its leadership including the incoming Management.