The University of Ilorin celebrated its 37th and 38th combined Convocation Ceremony, which includes a highly anticipated Convocation Lecture delivered by Professor Toyin Falola. Professor Falola is a distinguished professor of History at the University of Texas, Austin, United States of America. The lecture was held on Friday, October 20th, 2023, at 9:45 am at the University Auditorium.
During the lecture, Professor Falola discussed “Modernity, Modernization, and Values.” He argued that Nigeria’s young population is driving the nation towards uncharted territories where individual ambitions, self-assertion, and independence are increasingly taking center stage. The modernity in Nigeria is characterized by a vibrant youth culture that is progressively diverging from the communal affiliations delineated by ethnicity, religious beliefs, or geographic proximity. In their place, a nascent sense of self is being nurtured, predicated upon individual accomplishments and aspirations. The emergence of entrepreneurial activities within Nigeria’s urban hubs, particularly the exemplification of a vibrant “hustle culture” in Lagos, reflects a growing demand for personal accomplishments, a departure from conventional trajectories, and a wholehearted embrace of venturesome endeavors and innovative thinking.
Professor Falola also highlights the importance of education and the influence of global connectivity, facilitated by the digital revolution, within this specific context. The widespread dissemination of diverse ideas, philosophies, and lifestyles facilitated by digital platforms has cultivated a population increasingly inclined towards critical inquiry, rational thinking, and the pursuit of unique trajectories, sometimes deviating from established conventions and customs. Moreover, the advent of the digital age has facilitated cultural globalization, where the sharing and celebration of personal narratives can occur on an unparalleled scale. This has created a cultural environment that reverses individual stories and triumphs.
Apart from the Convocation Lecture, the event also included the graduation of students from various programs across multiple faculties. First degrees were awarded for a wide range of fields, including Agriculture, Arts, Basic Medical Sciences, Engineering and Technology, Law, and more.
As part of the celebrations, there will be additional events on the following days, including graduation ceremonies for various programs and the commissioning of projects by the Visitor on Monday, October 23rd, 2023.
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