Colloquiums critical to attainment of academic excellence, others, says Oyewole

Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Professor Olusola Oyewole, says regular colloquiums in academic environments were capable of inculcating the core values of excellence, integrity, global relevance, innovation, service to humanity and providing a veritable avenue for students to attain greatness in life.

Oyewole made the assertion during a two-day annual colloquium, organised by the school’s Department of Computer Science, which was aimed at helping past and present students harness opportunities inherent in computer science and information technology.

It also provided a platform for interaction, networking, sharing practical experiencing and collaboration among them. Speaking at the event, which had as its theme, “Harnessing Opportunities in Computer Science and Information Technology,” Oyewole who was represented by the Dean, College of Physical Sciences (COLPHYS), Professor Catherine Eromosele, commended the acting Head, Department of Computer Science, Dr. Adesina Sodiya, for organising the colloquium, especially at a time, when the rate of graduate unemployment was soaring.

He noted with delight the fact that most of the speakers at the occasion were former students of the university, who were giving back to the system while helping undergraduates in the department to understand better, the challenges facing them in their various professions.

Oyewole added that the forum would equally help in eradicating joblessness in the country, by instilling entrepreneurial skills in the participants after their interaction with the resource persons. Founder of Thecodec Systems Limited, Lagos, Mr. Kayode Akintunde, while speaking on the topic, “Information Technology in Action,” described information technology as a term, which encompasses all types of technology used to create, store, exchange and use information in their various forms such as business data, voice conversations, still images, motion pictures, multimedia presentations, among others.

Akintunde, an alumnus of FUNAAB, noted that information technology was applicable to every aspect of human communication such as the production of newsletters, magazines, cartoons, blogs, social networking websites, surveys, e-libraries, law reports, record keeping, finances, simulations and so on.

These uses, he noted, could be further extended to the sick, the physically challenged, children and the aged. Dr. Sodiya lauded former students for honouring their Alma Mater by attending the Colloquium, stating that he was happy with the fact that they were making progress in their various endeavours.

He further admonished them to make the best use of their time and available opportunity by learning as much as possible from the wealth of experiences of their senior colleagues.

Speaking on the topic “What Next After Graduation: Work, Study or Marriage?” Mrs. Yetunde Awotona of the Computer Hardware and Maintenance Services (CHAMS) Plc, Lagos, said prospective job -seekers needed to dress well, smell nice and be self-confident.

She said graduates were not supposed to grumble while doing their work saying, “Whatever you find your hands doing, do it well”. She noted the importance attached to team spirit in the workplace, adding that “whatever you know, you share it with others”.

Awotona, however, allayed the fear that it was not good to share ideas, saying that there was nothing bad in that only, that one needed to be very careful so as not to unnecessarily release one’s winning tactics.

According to her, “you can release some information. But the information that distinguishes you better from others are not supposed to be released”. “Your boss is your first customer and your customer is your king. Impress your boss, make your boss your friend as he or she would be the one to determine your progress in such an organisation,” she stated.