As is customary in every institution of higher learning, Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu on 7th March 2022, had her matriculation ceremony of the 2021/2022 set in order to formally begin their philosophical and higher institution journey.
The occasion was attended by both the Bigard Staff and the Staff of the University of Ibadan to which our seminary is affiliated. Some of the University of Ibadan officials present include: the Vice Chancellor, Prof K. O. Adebowale ably represented by Prof. M. K. Akinsola, the Director, Directorate of Affiliated Institutions; the Registrar, Mrs Olubunmi O. Faluyi; Deputy Registrar, Mr O. O. Dada, Head, Department of Philosophy, Prof Bolatito A. Lanre-Abass and the Affiliation Officer, Mr. O. O. Ajani.
The event began with a procession of the matriculating students and the staff of both Bigard Memorial Seminary and the University of Ibadan led by the Bigard Fan Club after which they led the rendition of Anthems. The opening prayer was said by Rev. Fr. Dr. Johnbosco Okoye at exactly 9:10am. After the prayers, the Vice Chancellor ably represented by Prof. M. K. Akinhola declared the ceremony open.
This was followed by the rectoral address by our dear Rector Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Albert Ikpenwa who welcomed all present to the ceremony while also recognizing the presence of the many distinguished guests present especially from the University of Ibadan and the different efforts and sacrifices they had made towards ensuring a peaceful and cordial relationship between Bigard Memorial Seminary Enugu and the University of Ibadan for over twenty-two years. He also thanked the HOD of Philosophy in Bigard, Rev Fr Dr Humphrey Ani. The Rector thanked them for making the day a reality and a remarkable event in the life of the matriculants. He encouraged the students especially the matriculants to remain keen and focused towards their academic pursuits. He also advised them to live out the wordings of the Second stanza of the University of Ibadan anthem which goes this way: “Unibadan first and best. Raise true minds for a noble cause. Social justice, equal chance. Greatness won with honest toil.”
The representative of the Vice Chancellor Prof. M. K. Akintola presented the Keynote address. He thanked the Rector and the formators for their hard work towards ensuring the success of the Matriculation ceremony. He equally encouraged the matriculants to take their studies and formation seriously. They should be humble to learn from their lecturers who are ever disposed to teach them and make the world a better place. He also advised them to shun crime to avoid bringing embarrassment and disappointment to the University, the lecturers and formators whom they have a lot to thank for.
The Oath of Matriculation was conducted by Mr. Dada. After the oath there was a session for musical renditions which was very heartwarming. Finally, the ceremony was brought to a close by Prof M. K. Akinsola.