According to a statement on Sunday, 36 of the graduates made first-class degrees at the convocation held on Thursday.
The statement added that 329 graduates were conferred with the award of first degree, two for PhD, one for MPhil degree, 15 for Masters degree, and one for postgraduate diploma.
The university’s Chancellor, Dr Daniel Olukoya, was quoted as counselling the graduating class to promote change and always aim for excellence throughout their lifetimes.
Olukoya implored the graduands to be good ambassadors of the university and role models wherever they find themselves.
He said, “First, you are expected to be good ambassadors of the university and role models in your respective states, places of work, or anywhere across the globe where you may likely find yourselves, and more importantly, live and uphold a sense of high integrity and moral values.
“In addition, one of the most important things you learned at the University is promoting change while aiming for excellence. I would implore you to apply this principle throughout your lives.
“As you go out there, continue to pursue the truth and to test ideas – go and make realism out of the unthinkable- as it does not end here.”
Guest speaker of the convocation, former governor, Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, in his presentation titled, ‘Optimising Your Potential In A Challenging Future,’ advised the graduands to have a mental picture of the future they wished to create.
He said, “Become a person known for excellence. The challenge of gender, racial, ethnic, or whatever biases only count at the average quality level, when you become excellent at whatever you do, these biases become irrelevant.
“Excellence puts you above all biases. Be so good at what you do that you become almost indispensable.
“The many challenges plaguing our nation present a world of opportunities to the one with seeing eyes. Find your place and be determined to make the world a better place starting from where you are. Align your passion to society’s needs and you will make a success of your life as success occurs when opportunity meets preparedness.
“Oftentimes, opportunities come in human form, make up your mind to treat people well irrespective of their state in life.”
Emmanuel also counselled them to invest in relationships and always show gratitude.
“I am amazed at the level of dishonor, disrespect, and entitlement mentality exhibited by the young people of your generation. Understand that nobody owes you anything, so lavishly express gratitude for every good thing done for you.”
Also speaking, Vice-Chancellor, MTU, Prof. Elijah Ayolabi, said, “I need to let you know that as you go into the world today, there will be challenges, there will be periods of uncertainty, it may not be of a global impact like the COVID-19. I must charge you my dear graduands that you must tackle every hardship and challenge in the same way the world faced COVID-19.
“Think outside the box, “the way we used to do it” will not solve all challenges. Be resilient knowing that “this (challenge) too will pass”. Above all have an unflinching trust in God.”
