33rd Transition In Our "Alma Mater"

'In Love, peace and harmony,

  'we shall build the tower.'

These are the first two lines of the "better by far" anthem. An institution situated in the capital city of the State of Harmony.

Committed to building its ivory tower in obedience to the clarion call.
Tomorrow, the University will be holding her thirty-third convocation ceremony; with every graduating student eager and ready to bounce into  the already 'rowdy' labour market.

In addition to this ceremony, the university experienced a smooth and deserving transition from one leadership to another. This makes this year's graduation special. The flair of witnessing two Vice Chancellors as a finalist, will go down as an historical reference.

The word Convocation, was crafted from a Latin word called 'convocare', meaning 'to call/come together'. This credibly symbolises the peculiarity involved in this august occasion. As over 9,000 students join the University of Ilorin's 'Alma mater', after having input a deserving effort in their academics and other extracurricular activities on campus. One must say, the class of 2017 deserves a warm accolade for producing 89 first-class graduates across all departments in the University.



In accordance to the motto of the University, which is, 'For Learning and Character'. Every stakeholder on campus has been known to uphold the vision and mission of the University. This is why the  institution can boast of 'having the probity and owning the doctrine (Probitas Doctrina).' The reason for this is not far fetched.

Over the years, graduating students have contributed their own quota in maintaining sanity and orderliness in their stay for four/five/six years on campus which has in turn earned them a certificate in 'Learning and Character'.

However, not everyone who starts the race crosses the Finish line. Due to one solicited or unsolicited reason or another, some students might not graduate with their colleagues. This is not to resonate their grievance or undermine anyone's quality, but to celebrate them for contributing their own quota to the institution and the society at large. Delay is never a denial.

Some end up in the fight to attain the Degree, some quit, some were forced to quit, either ways, 'our packs of suit, suit us differently'. This might not necessary be due to poor maintenance of our intellectual capacity, but the level Grace given to each individual differs.

We therefore urge all graduating students as they move out of our 'Alma mater', they should be good ambassadors of the University and as well show the 'better by far' attitude wherever they find themselves in the society.

In conclusion, we encourage you all not to rest on your oars. The race starts right where it ends. Education has been said to be a means to an end, we therefore encourage you all not to join the band wagons of those who use 'unemployment' as an excuse to stay idle; we urge you all to be self-productive and be employers of labour, so as to reduce the traffic in the labour market. Maximise opportunities, set realistic goals, no one ever hits the ground running. So keep your cool.

Tomori Uriel,

UCJ, UNILORIN ©.