The Federal College of Education, Abeokuta, will on Thursday, February 12, hold its 26th combined convocation ceremony, during which 2,361 students will be graduated, as the institution celebrates 50 years of teacher training and human capacity development in Nigeria.
The Provost of the institution, Dr Rafiu Soyele, disclosed this on Friday in Abeokuta during a press conference to announce activities lined up for the 26th combined convocation ceremony and the golden jubilee celebration.
According to Soyele, the graduating students are drawn from two academic sessions, with 1,330 from the 2022/2023 session and 1,031 from the 2023/2024 session.
He said the college, which is the first tertiary institution in Ogun State, has continued to grow in strength and academic relevance over the decades.
“Our mission is to produce standard teachers, build the future of Nigeria and develop human capacity for the nation, because without teachers the nation cannot grow,” Soyele said.
The provost noted that the institution has consistently produced quality graduates, adding that it currently has over 170 PhD holders among its academic staff.
Soyele also revealed that the Federal Government has approved the college to run degree programmes, a development he described as a major milestone in the institution’s history.
“More than 600 applicants applied for 29 degree programmes, and over 400 have already received admission letters,” he said.
He added, “We have been told to desist from affiliation institutions,” indicating that the college will run its degree programmes independently.
Soyele explained that the convocation would be unique, as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the college, making the celebration a double milestone.
He commended the alumni association for its strong support and involvement in the development of the institution, noting that the association would inaugurate six projects as part of the anniversary activities.
“They are eager to give back to the college, to plough back into their alma mater, and that is exactly what is expected. No institution can sustain itself in isolation, it requires the collective efforts of its stakeholders,” he said.
Soyele disclosed that Saturday has been set aside for alumni activities, during which the completed projects would be commissioned.
He further outlined activities scheduled for the celebration week to include an endurance trek, a convocation play, a reminiscence night, the commissioning of projects and a convocation lecture, ahead of the convocation ceremony slated for February 12.
He added that awards would also be presented to eminent Nigerians who have contributed to the growth and development of the institution over the years.
