2nd Matriculation of The Dominican University Ibadan

The second matriculation of the Dominican University Ibadan, was held on Wednesday, 23rd January 2019 at the Tom and Carolyn Walker Hall. The event was graced with the attendance by dignitaries, secondary school pupils, families, and friends of the matriculants. The ceremony began at 11am with the national anthem, followed by the university anthem, and then an opening prayer led by Rev .Fr. Dr. Benjamin Kwaghba, OP. The matriculation was declared opened by the Vice-Chancellor Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Akinwale, OP. In his opening speech, he harped on the theme of integral education, which includes self-discipline, hard work, and commitment to studies.

Following the Vice-Chancellor's address, was the matriculation lecture which was delivered by Professor Chris Ogbechie, a guest lecturer from the Pan African University Lagos Nigeria. His speech centered on the integral Education system. Professor Ogbechie posited that a failing society usually begins with a failing educational system. He went further to give statistics of lack of formal education, and explain that the rate of unemployment is as a result of failing education system; for it is only an integrally educated mind that will harness opportunities and utilize them. He also spoke about the change in the outdated system, thus we should imbibe creativity, discipline, and intelligence for good education system. More so, the Nigeria education system is failing due to her insistence on the outdated methods. He outlined some key factors shaping the   world of work they are; technological disruption, data analysis, diversity, globalization, and sustainability.

An integral education, he said includes an approach  to education from biological, neurological, societal, cultural, psychological, and spiritual fields of study. With this, a new breed of leaders will emerge, who can create value out of chaos. Although a long term project, it can be achieved through integral education. Since education is the going beyond ‘knowing to do’ (technical know-how, hard skills) to, more importantly, education for ‘knowledge to be’ (be well-rounded individual ready to contribute to the society). The vision and mission of the Dominican University is to impart an integral education to all her students and to the society at large. Dominican University is a place of learning where transformation takes place. Transformation, in this case, is a process whereby an existing being, can change its status to become a recognized integral being.

After the lecture, the matriculating students took their oath and this was led by the registrar, Rev Fr. Kenneth Nkadi, OP.

The ceremony came to an end with a closing prayer led by Rev. Fr. Nathaniel Eshikena, OP. The Vice-Chancellor Rev. Fr. Prof. Anthony Akinwale, OP then declared the ceremony closed at 12:40pm