…..Graduates 68 with First, Masters, Doctorate Degrees
A certified life coach and psychologist, Dr. Ezeogu Kayode Chukwuemeka, has stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive reform of educational and cognitive systems in Nigeria in order to cultivate creative problem-solving, rigorous critical thinking, and sustained innovation.
Speaking at the 2025 Joint Convocation and Induction Programme of Ballsbridge University and the Institute of Commercial Management, United Kingdom (ICM-UK) Dr. Ezeogu said in his lecture entitled: “Closing the Thought Gap: Cognitive and Educational Intervention for Africa’s Future Competitiveness,”that over the last couple of centuries, the perception about Africans had followed a rather sickening trajectory.
The event held on Thursday, November 20, at the NECA House, Alausa Ikeja also witnessed the Convocation of graduates for First degree, Masters and conferment of Honorary Doctorate degree, appointment of Associate Professors and also induction of new members of ICM-UK.
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He said: “First, we are painted as unorganized, uncivilized savages; then the narrative shifted to slaves- sadly, this came to define an entire generation of Africans; today the narrative is that of a poverty-stricken people inhabiting a political cum economic system that is characterized by corruption”
Ezeogu spoke further on the need for collective effort to bring about changes in educational and cognitive systems to promote innovations and creative problem solving.
According to him, through such initiatives, Africa will be equipped to realize her potential in pursuing sustainable development and enhanced global competitiveness.
“The continent’s future trajectory is contingent upon the emergence of African scientists, philosophers and thought leaders who possess the requisite expertise to address the continent’s critical concerns.
The advancement and implementation of solutions must originate from within, leveraging on indigenous knowledge and scholarly insight to confront the continent’s persistent challenges”.
Graduates first degree and MSc graduates at Ballsbridge University convocation ceremony in Lagos.
He congratulated the new graduates and urged them to deploy the knowledge and competencies acquired; not merely the credential itself to drive substantive change within their respective communities.
“It is incumbent upon you to kindle intellectual curiosity and motivate the next generation to engage critically and productively with their own ideas.
Speaking on Conceptualization and Ideation in the era of Artificial Intelligence, Dr Ezeogu said modern society is firmly situated in an era intensified by the proliferation of Artificial Intelligence technologies.
“The ability to formulate precise and effective prompts has become a crucial skill, facilitating the navigation and utilization of large language models to generate outputs that shape contemporary discourse and innovation”.
He said that the onus is upon them all to harness indigenous cognitive frameworks and knowledge paradigms to reframe prevailing narratives”.
He added that the success of this endeavor holds the potential to sufficiently narrow the developmental gap, thus empowering future generations of Africans to attain parity with global counterparts.
The Chancellor of Ballsbridge University Prof. Idahosa Charles in his address, delivered by Dr. Marius Ahonon, the Registrar of University of Science, Commerce & Business Administration (ESCAE-BENIN) congratulated the graduating class on the milestone of their Convocation.
He said: “The world you are entering is rapidly changing, driven by technology, innovation and global competition. Yet, within these challenges lie opportunities for those who dare to think differently and act boldly.”
He urged the graduates to be creators, not just job seekers, solution- builders, not complainers and leaders not followers.
He added; “Success is not only about what you achieve for yourself, but what you inspire others to achieve through you.
The Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Abba Joel Michael in his remarks stated that the ceremony is a renaissance of intellect, a symphony of achievement and a testament to human resilience and determination.
To the Graduates, he said: “you came as seekers of knowledge, today, you ascend as ambassadors of wisdom and virtue. Through diligence and devotion, you have transformed challenges into chapters of triumph.”
He added: “Carry your knowledge as a lantern that leads, your character as a compass that guides and your integrity as a crown that dignifies.”‘
He charged them as ambassadors to go forth as torchbearers of truth, pioneers of progress and guardians of moral excellence.
The Special Guest of Honor, Prof. Amusa Nojeem Adetunji of Molecular Plant Pathology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State in his remarks reiterated the importance of technology and e-learning to education.
He added that virtual learning platforms have made learning more interesting in the sense that a Professor may be somewhere in Nigeria, USA, Togo or Canada and will teach students across the globe as if he is in the classroom.
Adetunji added that products from e-learning systems are performing better than those in classrooms.
He congratulated and wished them success in their life endeavours, urging them to be good ambassadors of the university.
He urged the students on the necessity of exhibiting both academic knowledge and character in order to project and preserve the good image of the university worldwide.
Adetunji commended the university for keying into the Federal Government Cross-Border or Transnational educational policy.
The CEO, ICM-UK Mr. Adair Ford in his address delivered by Dr. Mensah Cocou Jean-Hermann, congratulated the newly inducted members, saying they have taken a bold and visionary step towards excellence.
“Becoming part of the ICM family means joining a global network of professionals committed to advancing commercial and managerial expertise across industries and borders”.
He pointed out that professional expertise is the engine of economic growth; it drives innovation, enhances productivity and fosters sustainable development. “In Nigeria, a country rich in talent and ambition, we have witnessed firsthand how specialized skills can transform sectors; from finance and logistics to human resource management and strategic governance.
Ford further commended ICM-UK for playing a pivotal role in this transformation. “Through our accredited centres and partnerships across Nigeria, we have empowered thousands of learners with qualifications that meet international standard and local relevance.
Prof. Joel Abba, Prof. Amusa Adetunji, Prof. Simon Emeje, Dr. Marius Ahonon, Dr. Mensah Jean-Hermann, Dr. Anyanwu Odichinaka, Prof. Rasheed Solomon and first degree graduates at the convocation ceremony.
Speaking on the alumni of ICM-UK, Ford said: “our alumni have gone on to lead in government, corporate and entrepreneurial sectors. They are shaping policy, driving innovation and mentoring the next generation of leaders. This is the ripple effect of professional expertise; and it begins with education.”
To the new members, Ford said; “your journey with ICM is just begining. You are now part of a legacy of excellence.”
He urged them to embrace the opportunities ahead, contribute meaningfully to their communities and uphold the values of integrity, innovation and impact.
The newly inducted members are Dr. Ananti Chijioke Smart, Barr. Agada Joseph Nedegu and Prof. Rasheed Olalekan Solomon.
Dr. Bamidele Mike Oboigbe was appointed as an Associate Professor.
Also, Prince Chinedu Momah, Felix Osiki, Solomon Omoareoje Imooje, Major General Abdul Malik Bulama Biu and Omolaja Oshilaja were conferred with honorary Doctorate degree.
A total of 37 First degrees, 20 Masters and 11 Doctorate degrees holders graduated at the event.
BV.
