McPherson varsity set to graduate 92 students despite COVID-19 challenges

.We employed virtual platforms to complete academic work in good time - VC

By Abdulfatah Last updated Nov 13, 2020

Joy Anyim

The Vice-Chancellor of McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State, Professor Adeniyi Agunbiade, has said the Covid-19 pandemic did obstruct the flow of academic work at the institution, as 92 students are set to graduate come Saturday, November 14.

Stating that the institution harnessed virtual platforms to complete academic work in good time, Agunbiade said not many universities were privileged to do same.

Addressing Journalists during a virtual pre-convocation press conference on Thursday, the VC noted that McPherson University, through its robust internet connectivity, was able to lecture, write tests and exams online, during the heat of the pandemic.

He stated that although physical academic activities had fully resumed after obtaining approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC), and the Ogun State Government, the University had also ensured staff and students keep to Covid-19 safety protocols.

“The University has a modern ICT Centre and e-library with generous work station for students use. There is full internet connectivity in almost all buildings on Campus including staff offices, classrooms and admin block. The facilities have been employed for training of staff and students

“Following the the Covid-19, we have made available hand sanitisers, facilities for hand washing, and machines that help sanitise at different locations in the university. It is also compulsory for staff, students and visitor to wear a facemask at all time.

“We have also reduced the number of students in each hostel room to between two and three. This is from the previous four per room, this are part of some of the things we have done, ” he said.

Giving a breakdown of the degrees to be awarded, Agunbiade said 12 of the graduands made a First Class, 33 earned Second Class Upper, 41, Second Class Lower, and six will be graduating with a Third Class.

Speaking on the recent achievements of the institution, Agunbiade said the NUC had given approved for the commencement of part-time programmes for nine courses at the institution.

He said: “We have a modern English Language Laboratory and a modern Mass Communication Studio as well as well equipped science laboratories for computer science, Microbiology and Biochemisty programmes.

“All our academic programmes are fully accredited by the NUC. In addition, I am pleased to inform you that we have also got approval to commence part-time academic programmes in the following courses: B. Sc. Accounting, B. Sc. Banking and Finance, B. Sc. Business Administration, B. Sc. Marketing, B. A. History and International Studies, B. A. English, B. A. Religious Studies, B. Sc. Economics, and B. Sc. International Relations.”

The VC said the convocation, which is the fifth in a series, will play host to Professor Michael Faborode, who will be delivering the convocation lecture with the topic: “Sustainable Development, Post COVID-19: Is Nigeria’s Growing Population a Curse or Multiple Blessings”.

Professor Faborode was a one time Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in Osun State.