The Chief Academic Officer of Unicaf, Dr Kevin Andrews, has lamented the institution’s inability to celebrate its graduands in the United Kingdom, where their degrees are awarded, due to a new aviation policy that requires participants to move out of the country for such ceremonies.
Andrews described the situation as “sad,” noting that the policy had made it impractical for many international students to attend graduation ceremonies in the UK, despite completing programmes affiliated with British universities.
According to a statement, Andrews spoke during Unicaf’s convocation ceremony held over the weekend in Lagos, where graduands were celebrated for completing their Master’s degree programmes through Unicaf scholarships in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom.
Andrews emphasised that the Lagos ceremony was not a substitute for a UK graduation but a meaningful recognition of the resilience and determination of the graduands.
He said, “Many of these graduates completed their studies while working full-time, raising families, and managing life’s pressures and responsibilities. The combination of ambition and real-world perseverance is exactly what higher education should celebrate.”
He congratulated the graduands on their dedication and perseverance, urging them to view learning as a lifelong necessity.
According to him, resilience, adaptability and the willingness to embrace change are critical in a world that is constantly evolving.
“The world will continue to change. Challenges will arise, but you must learn to see them as opportunities. Be bold enough to embrace the new and determined enough to make it work,” Andrews advised.
“A graduation marks both an ending and a beginning. Today closes one chapter and opens another, filled with responsibility, opportunity and promise.”
He further stated that Unicaf was proud to host the convocation in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, describing the UK institution as one with “deep roots, strong values and a clear sense of purpose.”
“Our LJMU graduates have not merely completed a programme. They are joining something larger – an academic community, an alumni network and a professional tradition that extends far beyond a single cohort,” he added.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Professor of Business and Pro Vice-Chancellor of Liverpool John Moores University, Timothy Nichol, traced the university’s history to 1823, describing it as the first school of its kind in England.
He noted that over 200 years later, the world was witnessing a major transformation driven by robotics and artificial intelligence, which are reshaping every sector, including education.
Nichol posited, “Working in partnership with Unicaf, we seek to support our students in realising their full potential in this changing environment. Our goal is to create the conditions for personal development and to enable graduates to make meaningful contributions to the economic and social well-being of society.”
Speaking on behalf of the graduands, Linda Akorhe expressed gratitude to Unicaf and Liverpool John Moores University for the opportunity to earn a Master’s degree through the scholarship programme.
She encouraged her fellow graduates to maximise the opportunity the qualification provides, pursue their dreams with confidence and give back to society.
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