Chrisland University held its 5th convocation ceremony on 30^th and 31^st October, 2023, followed by a convocation thanksgiving service on the 1^st November at the University auditorium. The event celebrated the excellent quality and plausible administrative skills of the first and incumbent Vice Chancellor (VC) of the university, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola FAS, FAAS, FPSN, as the institution released 91 stars.
In attendance were who is who from various walks of life , highlighting the efforts made by Professor Peace Babalola's administration to position Chrisland University as one of the leading private universities in Africa . Notable guests included the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, the Chancellor and founder, High Chief Winifred Awosika; the Pro-Chancellor, Distinguished Professor Ayodeji Olukoju FNAL; the convocation lecturer, African Historian Jacob and Sanger Mossiker Chair in Humanities at the University of Texas Austin, Professor Toyin Falola; as well as VCs and heads from other institutions across the country and many other stakeholders in the education sector.
The presence of these influential individuals demonstrated their commitment to excellence and underlined the university's dedication to providing high-quality in character and learning . The convocation ceremony itself was organized to world-class academic standards.
During her address, Professor Chinedum Peace Babalola reflected on the university's journey since its establishment in 2015. She highlighted the growth of the institution, which started with just 9 courses and now offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines. The National Universities Commission (NUC) has consistently praised the university's progress during accreditation visits, further solidifying its reputation for excellence.
Throughout the ceremony, attendees, including the State Governor, the Chancellor, and other principal officers of the university, as well as VCs and heads of institutions, praised the academic and administrative standards of the convocation ceremony. They also commended the impressive growth and achievements of Chrisland University.
As the ceremony concluded, the graduands, filled with a sense of accomplishment and gratitude, began their journey as proud alumni of Chrisland University. Equipped with the entrepreneurship skills and knowledge imparted to them, they are poised to make positive contributions to their respective fields and have a positive impact on society.
Professor Peace Babalola, a renowned professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and pharmacokinetics, has achieved numerous milestones throughout her academic career. She obtained her Bachelor of Pharmacy from Obafemi Awolowo University and went on to earn a Master's and Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the same institution. She also completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of British Columbia.
Professor Babalola started her academic career as a graduate assistant at Obafemi Awolowo University before becoming a senior lecturer at the University of Ibadan. In 2006, she became a professor and has since held various significant positions in academia. She has been recognized as the first female Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Ibadan, the first female Pharmacist professor at the University of Ibadan, and the first female Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the same institution.
Her First-to-be accomplishments also include being elected Fellow of the African Academy of Science and Fellow of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists. She was elected as a Fellow of the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy and was selected as the only Black and African member of the Strategy Working Group of the joint committee of the International Council for Science and International Social Science Council, first pharmacist appointed as special consultant from UCH Ibadan and the first female pharmacist in Nigeria to become a vice chancellor.
Overall, the 5th convocation ceremony of Chrisland University highlighted the exceptional leadership of Professor Peace Babalola and the institution's commitment to providing quality education. With the support of the Chancellor, Boards, Senate, management and the dedication of its faculty and staff, Chrisland University continues to excel and make a significant impact on the Nigerian and African education sector.