
16th Matriculation: 241 Matriculated into the University of Ibadan in Bigard
Being an affiliated institution to the prestigious University of Ibadan, Bigard yet again celebrates as 241 students were matriculated into Philosophy Department. Tuesday, 15th December, 2015 saw all roads led to the Bigard Auditorium for the 16th Matriculation Ceremony of the Seminary, since obtaining affiliation with the University.
The university of Ibadan was represented by four officials; the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof. Adebola B. Ekanola, the deputy Registrar Academic, Dr. Ikeoluwapo O. Moody, the Faculty Officer, Arts, Mr. O. Dairo and the Head of the Department of Philosophy, Dr. F. Offor. The occasion began at exactly 9:15am with a procession in which the matriculants gladly in their matriculation gowns led the way into the Bigard Auditorium, followed by the Bigard team of lecturers and formators, and then the officials from the University of Ibadan
In the Bigard Auditorium, the occasion continued with the recitation of the Anthems in this order, as was led by the Bigard Fans for Jesus; National Anthem, University of Ibadan Anthem, Papal Anthem, and Bigard Anthem. The opening prayer was immediately said by one of Bigard’s eminent Spiritual Directors, Rev. Fr. Simon Areji. The Dean, faculty of Arts of the University of Ibadan declared the matriculation ceremony open in the following words, “I now declare open this assembly, a congregation of the University of Ibadan constituted for the purpose of Matriculating students for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in philosophy, offered by the University of Ibadan”
The Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Albert Ikpenwa, in his welcome address, thanked the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan though represented, and therepresentatives of the University for their efforts and sacrifices. He also congratulated the matriculating students and enjoined them to uphold the integrity and excellence which the two institutions are known for.
Taking the matriculation address, the Dean, Faculty of Arts of the University of Ibadan pointed out that this year’s matriculation ceremony was special and unique, in that it featured two classes, an incidence that rarely occurs. He registered his satisfaction with the academic standard of the Seminary, noting also that it was his first matriculation outing in Bigard, since he is the new Dean, Faculty of Arts of the prestigious University.
Advising the matriculants, the Dean admonished the matriculants to be focused and zealous about their academic life. Finally he expressed his heartfelt appreciation towards the entire Academic Staff of Bigard for their effort in fostering and nurturing authentic academic pursuit.
The Matriculating oath which was conducted by the Deputy Registrar Academic, of the University of Ibadan, Dr. Ikeoluwapo O. Moody was taken by the matriculants, where they pledged allegiance to the School and promised to be faithful in observing the school rules and regulations. The Matriculation Oath was followed by a glamorous choral presentation of Mozart’s Glorious is thy name by the Bigard Main Choir.
At the request of the Dean of Philosophy Department, Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu, Rev. Fr.Vitalis Ukwuaba, the occasion was declared closed by the Dean, Faculty of Arts of the University of Ibadan. This was followed by the recitation of anthems and then procession taken in reverse form to the front of Bigard Main Chapel for snapshots