Sir: There is power and passion in the positive name of individuals, institutions, communities and countries. Perhaps, that explains the undercurrent of the moving mantra that: “Only the best is good for Bells,” as excitedly chorused by students and staff members alike, especially whenever the name of the nation’s premier private university of technology is mentioned, anywhere in the whole wide world. And they have more than one reason to be so effusive in their responses.
That again, came to the fore, recently when the erudite and goal-getting Vice Chancellor had yet another opportunity to address the attendees at the 15th Convocation of the citadel of great knowledge. Incidentally, it marked the eighth convocation address for Ojediran, being the third in line after Prof. Julius Okojie and Prof. Isaac Adeyemi before him.
Exhibiting the commendable attribute of a grateful heart, he stirred the waves of accolades on the Chief Promoter of the university, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, (GCFR, Ph.D), who he proudly described as “the great son of Africa and indeed, God’s special gift to this generation.”
In a similar vein, he appreciated the hierarchy of the Administration of the university, especially the President and Chairman, Board of Trustees, Dr. Kola Jamodu, the Chancellor, Senator Dr. Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, and the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Barth Nnaji.
Not left out, he commended the Bells University Parents Forum (BUPF) that has “proven to be a true partner in progress, time and time again.” Also listed for commendation is the BellsTech Alumni Association for a good job done thus far.
Beyond all these, the profound messages touched tellingly on the outstanding achievements recorded by the university over the past academic session. For instance, in 2022 it was ranked on the 51-60 Belt on the Sub-Saharan Universities ranking, and 12 in Nigeria. It was also listed on Reporters Status, as of the last ranking for 2023, released recently.
Interestingly, the university has applied to undertake some studies, especially on Faculty Competencies as Catalysts for Entrepreneurship Pedagogy, Career Development and Student Employability: Adoption of the Botho Model. Good enough, the partnership is gathering momentum. The noble aim of course, is to ensure that their education is wholesome.
Another piece of praise-worthy news was that the University recently got approval of the NUC to commence several new programmes, across different departments and colleges. The wave-making Top-Up Programme came in response to an identified yearning by professionals, especially in the identified contiguous industrial areas, who are desirous of improving their statuses and have a taste of the formal university learning experience.
As the VC proudly noted: ‘‘We are very proud at BellsTech for blazing the trail on this initiative and we are already seeing the positive results thereof.”
