The Governing Council and Management of Caleb University, Imota on Wednesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso in his office at the Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja
Speaking during the visit, the leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Convocation Committee of the University Professor. Adedeji Daramola congratulated the Honourable Commissioner for his second term appointment, adding that his reappointment is proof of his outstanding contributions to the growth of Lagos State.
Professor Daramola, who is also the immediate past Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics and a Professor of Architecture also revealed that the primary purpose of the visit is to formally inform the Commissioner that the Convocation Committee of Caleb University, has chosen him to deliver the institution’s 13th Convocation Lecture scheduled to be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, with the topic: “Closing the Generational Gap Between the Old and Young in Nigerian Politics”.
In his words, “In choosing the Honourable Commissioner as our convocation lecturer, we looked at his pedigree and achievements and equally looked at the terrain and various levels he has operated and realised that it would be a great privilege for everyone at the University, especially the students of our Mass Communication Department from where the school would be graduating the first set of PhD Students. This is a milestone for us and will position the University among other top Universities in the country”.
Daramola further stated that Caleb University is the first Private University in Lagos with over 6000 students and has consistently grown over the years to six major colleges. “We have had our challenges over the years and are happy to note that the Lagos State Government has stood by us. We have enjoyed tremendous support from the State Government through grants and when we had Certificate of Occupancy issues, the Government waded into the matter”, he added.
According to him, 1,200 students would be graduating, including nine PhD scholars, as such, we would be honoured to have the Honourable Commissioner as our Convocation Lecturer on the Special Day. He disclosed further that other dignitaries expected at the event include the Governor of Benue State, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia the royal father of the day, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi as well as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun who will be bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate Degree Award.
Responding, the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso thanked the the Proprietor and Management of Caleb University for finding him worthy to deliver the convocation lecture, saying most institutions would prefer scholars or academics as Guest Lecturers.
“For me, it is surprising because I felt such occasions are meant for members of the academia. Therefore, picking someone outside academia is humbling. Caleb University has had a robust relationship with the Lagos State Government and it is a challenge that I should accept and join the conversation on how the society can be better. The topic for the convocation lecture is therefore perfect in terms of recent political happenings in the political space.
While emphasising that he accepts the nomination as the Guest Lecturer and would be there to discharge the responsibility, Omotoso commended the University’s Management for always associating with the Lagos State Government and would give all the necessary support to ensure the ceremony is a huge success.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olumide Sogunle thanked the management of Caleb University for recognising the Ministry and commended their choice of the Honourable Commissioner as the convocation Guest Lecturer, adding that this would be the beginning of a more robust and harmonious relationship between the University and the Lagos State Government.
He assured that the Ministry will continue to play a major role in every sector of the economy as it has provided the necessary tools towards achieving a #Greater Lagos vision.
Also present at the event were management staff of the Ministry including the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Adesegun Ogundeji; Director of Strategy Centre, Mr. Kayode Oyekanmi; Director of Information Production, Mrs. Funmi Adesanya; Director of Social Media, Dr. Jide Atasuyi and Director of Public Enlightenment and Community Relations, Mr. Goke Folayan, among others.
