1200 students graduate from Nexford University, 7 Nigerians bag special awards
A total of 1200 students graduated successfully from Nexford University (NXU), with seven Nigerian students receiving awards for their outstanding academic performance.
Nexford University (NXU), is a next-generation online university based in Washington DC, US.
According to the university, almost 40 per cent of graduates of the institution have already studied Artificial Intelligence.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the University, Fadl Al Tarzi said Nexford is gradually integrating Artificial Intelligence into all its courses and programs.
Al Tarzi made this revelation while speaking at the Nexford University 2024 graduation ceremony held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“So whether you’re studying business or finance or entrepreneurship or data science or software, you are going to be studying how to use AI in each of these fields. It’s becoming the essential requirement, just like, basic English reading skills to understand AI,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nexford CEO said as the institution is integrating AI into all of programs, “Today, almost 40 percent of our graduates have already studied artificial intelligence. And most importantly, it (AI) can connect Nigerian talent with global Talent. So it can enable Nigerians to use AI to compete more effectively against talents and other markets that are not using AI,” Al Tarzi said.
He commended the graduating students for their quest for knowledge and skills to compete globally.
The graduation ceremony was graced by some influential personalities among which were Peter Obi, the Former Governor of Anambra State and the Labour Party presidential at the 2023 general election; Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, CEO, Human Capital Africa; Mrs. Bola Adesola Chairman, Ecobank Nigeria; Jennifer L. Scott, Ph.D Chief Academic Officer, Nexford University.
The outstanding students awarded were Omolade Ganiyat Yusuf and Eganoyemi Oloruntosin Adetayo, who emerged Best Peer Mentor in the BBA Program and Best Peer Mentor in the MBA Program respectively.
Christopher Chukwuka Otakpor emerged Outstanding Volunteer Award in the BBA, while Kayode Olaitan 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, with a loud applause, Oluwasegun Anuoluwapo Ogundiran, who finished with an impressive a 4.0 CGPA was awarded as the Valedictorian of the Year for Class 2024.
Oghogho Inneh, Nexford Country Director, 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 (1606) 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 anyboby 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.”
On her part, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili a former Minister of Education, stressed on the need for Nigerian youth to embrace 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 revolunize how work will be done globally.
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