Nexford University, a next-generation online university based in Washington DC, America has graduated a total of 1200 students during its 2024 graduation ceremonies.
NXU, which prides itself for skill education awarded seven Nigerian students for their outstanding academic performance and demonstrated character during their course of study.
Speaking at the event held at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Chief Executive Officer, NXU, Fadl Al Tarzi, commended the graduating students for their quest for knowledge and skills to compete globally.
The graduation ceremony was graced by the Former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi; CEO, Human Capital Africa, Dr Oby Ezekwesili; Chairman, Ecobank Nigeria, Mrs Bola Adesola; Chief Academic Officer, Nexford University, Dr Jennifer L. Scott.
Other include Lagos State Commissioner, Innovation, Science & Technology, Mr Olatubosun Alake; Founder, Sooyah Bistro, Former Country Director, Nexford University, Mrs Olamidun Ogundoyin; and Chairman, African Capital Alliance, Dr Okechukwu Enelamah.
The outstanding students awarded were Omolade Yusuf and Eganoyemi Adetayo, who emerged as Best Peer Mentor in the BBA Program and Best Peer Mentor in the MBA Program respectively.
Christopher Otakpor emerged Outstanding Volunteer Award in the BBA, while Kayode Owoyemi won the Outstanding Volunteer Award – MBA.
Outstanding Brand Ambassador Awards category, Abdul Shakur Haruna was awarded Outstanding Brand Ambassador – Ghana while Christian Arimoku Ebhoma was awarded Outstanding Brand Ambassador – Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Oluwasegun Ogundiran, who finished with an impressive a 4.0 CGPA was awarded as the Valedictorian of the Year for Class 2024.
Also speaking on the 2024 graduation, the Nexford Country Director, Oghogho Inneh, noted that the graduands emerged from various programs, which include Undergrad – BBA, Post Grad – MBA, MSDT, MSDA and MSE. Oghogho noted that he MSE was launched last year, with potential to attract more uptakes.
According to Oghogho, the MBA program (1,606) has the most graduates in the class of 2024 followed by the BBA program (141).
Oghogho said the Class of 2024 represents a dynamic and inspiring cohort of learners from around the world, united by their ambition to excel in their careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“The class has embraced Nexford’s focus on workplace-relevant skills. Many have already applied their learning to solve real-world challenges in industries such as technology, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and business management,” she added.
In his keynote address, Peter Obi urged the graduates to influence change for a better society and make meaningful contributions to the economy.
“You have acquired more than anybody can acquire. If people in other countries go through the experience you pass through here, they won’t even pass. So go out there and influence change in the society that you live in.
“Don’t go about thinking about only making money. Go check anybody that makes meaningful wealth, they do so by creating value, by giving themselves out to serve the society. It is for you to help solve problems in the society.”
Tarzi who commended Nigerian students for their resilience, urged the 2024 graduating to showcase deliver real-time solutions that will change the world.
He said, “We are really proud of our Nigerian students. Nexford will continue to help Nigerian students bridge skill gap to be able to fit into the real world job market place globally.
“We are excited that over 75 per cent of our students have achieved their goal of investment with the quality of the education and the value Nexford has afforded them.
Speaking on the Nexford plan for 2025, Tarzi said, “We are planning expansion geographically to be able to expand our community of learners globally.”
Addressing the graduates, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education, stressed the need for Nigerian youth to embrace the acquisition of the skill set of the modern-day job market.
Ezekwesili, a board member of NXU, noted that the job market is fast-changing, saying Artificial Intelligence will further revolutionise how work will be done globally.
“Whosoever you’re we want to see an objective solution that has come from you because you got the best of skilled education. That’s what we pride ourselves on. This is skilled education that you’ve achieved and it’s the 21st century skilled education.
Credit: THE PUNCH
