The Vice Chancellor, Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Lagos, Prof. Christopher Odetunde, has disclosed that going abroad for further education would better equip people with different experiences and ideas that would aid national development.

Odetunde, who stated this while briefing journalists on activities lined up for the fifth convocation ceremony of the institution, also announced that business mogul, Mr. Femi Otedola would be inaugurated as Chancellor of the institution.

He said: “There is nothing wrong with the japa syndrome, people who go abroad will acquire experiences that may be different from what those who stay here would have. When you cross fertilise those ideas and experiences, the country would be better for it,” he said.

To help artisans with little or no formal education to be certificated along their professional lines, Odetunde said the school is starting a Centre for Human Development where such persons would be trained by experts in the university and awarded certificates.

“It is not everybody that should attend a university. Some people are so talented and can perform magic with their hands. In order to get a sort of guarantee for them in the eye of the public, we will train and issue them certificates,” he explained.

Highlighting the achievements of the university over time, Odetunde said from the 150 pioneer students, hundreds have come in with more courses introduced.

While speaking on the activities lined up for the programme, Odetunde said the event would include the presentation of diploma certificates to 35 graduands of St. Gregory School of Music, an institution affiliated with Augustine University and award of first degree certificates.

Odetunde disclosed that 56 students will be awarded with first
class, nine with second class upper division, 24 with second class lower division, and two with third class.

Kehinde Ogunbanwo, emerged the overall best graduating student and valedictorian with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.86.

On the choice of Otedola as chancellor of the university, the VC said the business mogul has contributed immensely to the growth of the university.