The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, is to award honorary doctorate degree to Nobel Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, as it graduates 113 first class students on Thursday.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kolawole Salako, made this known at a press conference in Abeokuta to herald the 26th convocation ceremonies of the university.
He said that the convocation ceremonies to end on Nov. 23 would also feature inauguration of projects, a research and agriculture fair, and convocation lecture, among others.
Salako said that the university would also award honourary doctorate degree to Toyin Falola, a Professor of African Studies, Department of History, University of Texas, Houston, U.S.
According to him, the convocation lecture will be delivered by Falola on the theme: “Food and Us: Poverty, Policies and Politics”.
Salako said that a total of 3,548 students would be awarded bachelor’s degree, with 1,327 graduating with second class (upper division) and 1,533 with second class (lower division).
He said that 502 students would graduate with third class, while 30 would go with pass grade.
According to the vice chancellor, the remaining 43 are for the unclassified veterinary medicine degree.
He added that the institution would award Ph.D to 79 students, masters (academics) to 241 students, and masters (professional) to 65 students as well as post graduate diploma to 33 students.
He expressed satisfaction at peace and stability in the school in the last one year.
“I came into office when the dust of the subtle crisis that rocked our university was just settling and the usual rancour and acrimony that trail succession were gathering momentum.
“We felt the need to calm frayed nerves and assuage the aggrieved.
“We mended fences and extended hands of fellowship to all parties through democratic leadership deeply rooted in fairness, equity and transparency.
“Today, there’s peace and normalcy in FUNAAB,” he said.
He thanked the Federal Government for funding capital projects in the university. (NAN)