- Graduating students and staff gathered for a solemn Thanksgiving Mass ahead of the 7th Convocation Ceremony.
- Rev. Fr. Andrew Toye charged graduands to embrace responsibility, excellence, and purposeful living beyond academics.
- Certificates of appreciation were awarded to students who served in liturgical ministries throughout their studies.
Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, on Wednesday held a solemn Thanksgiving Mass ahead of its 7th Convocation Ceremony .
Eko Hot Blog reports that the service, hosted at the Chapel of Mary Mother of the Church, brought together graduating students, staff, and members of the university community in a spirit of gratitude and reflection.
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In his homily, the Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Andrew Toye, urged the graduands to view their forthcoming graduation not merely as the end of an academic journey, but as the beginning of a deeper responsibility to serve and make meaningful impact in society.
He stressed that academic excellence must translate into purposeful living and greater contribution to humanity.
He told the graduands that possessing a degree is an invitation to “do something with higher degree or higher intensity,” reminding them that their achievements were made possible through personal discipline, the dedication of university staff, and the sacrifices of their parents.
He encouraged them to embrace the challenges ahead with courage and faith, noting that “the road to success is usually plied by few.
This road is tough with rough edges, yet you have been equipped academically, and all things work together for the good of those who love God.”
Using the concept of metamorphosis, Rev. Fr. Toye compared the academic growth of the students to the life stages of a butterfly — from egg (primary school), to larva (secondary school), to caterpillar (university life). He declared that they now possess wings to soar.
“Now that you are graduating, you have been given wings to fly like a butterfly — fly into success and not failure, into good and not evil, into greatness and not mediocrity. Be a dove and not a raven,” he admonished.
The Mass featured a procession of the graduating students offering thanksgiving to God for guidance throughout their academic journey, signifying a spiritual send-forth into the next phase of life.
As part of the ceremony, certificates of appreciation were presented to graduating students who served diligently in liturgical roles at the chapel, celebrating their commitment and contribution to the spiritual life of the institution.
