Summit University, Offa, has announced the democratisation of drone technology on its campus, enabling students to learn how to fly and build drones as well as electric vehicles.
Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Abiodun Musa Aibinu, disclosed this during an interaction with journalists ahead of the 5th and 6th combined
To drive this innovation, the University has established two new colleges, Kola Balogun College of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Engineering and the College of Innovation and Computing Technology.
It has also introduced According to him, the institution has introduced seven new Programmes aimed at improving students’ digital literacy.
These include Financial Literacy; Clean and Renewable Energy; Artificial Intelligence and ICT; Family and Leadership Skills; History, Heritage and Storytelling; and Acadopreneurship.
The Vice Chancellor noted that a total of 319 students will graduate, including 26 first-class, 164 second-class upper, 108 second-class lower, 25 third-class, and one pass.
Professor Aibinu said equipping students with drone and emerging technologies would enable the university to produce graduates capable of applying technology to tackle Nigeria’s security challenges.
He added that Summit University is committed to producing community- and industry-fitted graduates who can meet contemporary societal needs.
He explained that the institution now operates a student-centred learning model, unlike the traditional lecturer-centred system.
Professor Aibinu pointed out that since the maiden convocation, Summit University has continued to advance on all fronts.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the University to academic excellence, moral discipline and innovation-driven service has remained unwavering.
The Vice Chancellor revealed that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted full approval to eight new departments, broadening access to quality higher education, saying that students in these programmes are already in their 200-level, marking two years of successful academic progression.
He further announced that the university has commenced new postgraduate programmes and is finalising preparations for the introduction of academic programmes in Health Sciences and Law within the coming months.
Professor Aibinu said the performance of this year’s graduands reflects a commendable level of academic excellence, with more than half finishing in the top two classifications.
He also disclosed that Mrs. Latifat Gbajabiamila, mother of the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, will receive an honorary doctorate degree, while a posthumous honorary recognition will also be conferred on the late Alhaji Tiamiyu Olatinwo for their contributions to educational development and the establishment of Summit University.
The Vice-Chancellor listed the eight newly approved programmes as Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Communication Engineering, Computer Engineering, Cyber Security, Software Engineering, Information Technology, and Data Science, as these come in addition to the existing 16 academic programmes in the almost decade-old institution.
As part of the convocation activities, several newly completed projects on the campus will be commissioned on Friday today.
Meanwhile, Special Juma’at service will hold between 1pm and 2pm, followed by the conferment of honorary degrees.
The main convocation ceremony holds tomorrow, Saturday as Mr. Aderemi Makanjuola, OON, will be conferred with an Honourary Doctorate Degree alongside the awarding of Bachelor’s Degrees and prizes to outstanding students.
Professor Aibinu addressed journalists alongside the Acting Registrar, Mr. Mustapha Kadiri; Acting Director of Academic Planning, Dr. A.O. Muraina; and the Dean, College of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Bayo Lawal, a Professor of Statistics.
