By Sola Alabadan
Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) in Ikeji Arakeji, Osun state, has conferred an honorary Doctorate Degree in Insurance (Honoris Causa) on the President of Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) Sir. Muftau Oyegunle.
The Vice Chancellor of JABU, Prof. Kola Sonaike, who conferred the degree on Oyegunle at the University’s 12th Convocation Ceremony recently, said: “We are bestowing our honorary doctorate degree on an eminent personality in person of Sir. Muftau Olakunle Oyegunle, President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria. He has highly distinguished himself in his commendable service to humanity. He is honored with an Honorary Doctorate degree in Insurance (Honoris Causa) and he will be received into the Hall of Alumni of Joseph Ayo Babalola University.”
In his acceptance speech, Oyegunle appreciated the Council, Senate and Management of JABU for the privilege of being bestowed a prestigious degree by the first entrepreneurial University in Nigeria.
He stated that he was proud to be associated with such a reputable institution that is committed to implementing the three cardinal responsibilities of a university which are; teaching, research and community service.
Oyegunle noted that since he joined the Insurance Industry on June 3, 1985, through Leadway Assurance Company Limited and up till today, he has remained a student of Insurance and has devoted his working life to the development of the business of insurance and risk management as his contribution to the growth, development of the country and humanity in general.
“With the abundant grace of God, coupled with hard work, determination, resilience matched with tenacity, I was able to climb the ladder of success in my career. It is because you recognize diligence that you conferred me this Doctorate degree. This should send a message to all graduands that you can achieve anything you desire with focus, hard work, consistency, and persistence.
“As a professional armed with the requisite academic excellence and standards needed in the insurance business; my tenure as the President of the CIIN and as an insurance practitioner in general has boosted the development of the insurance industry through the various programs and standards I have put in place.
“All these initiatives have positively helped spread the gospel of insurance to Nigerians; as the awareness rate has tremendously increased. Though more work still needs to be done, the Institute will not relent till the news of insurance gets to all nooks and crannies.
“With a deep sense of gratitude, I accept this Honorary Award and wish to assure you that I do not take the privilege for granted. I am aware that the honour comes with a corresponding obligation to use my knowledge and skills to advance the course of humanity, the insurance industry and to support the aspirations of this great University.”
The cIIN boss donated a cash sum and three sets of insurance textbooks towards the development of the University.
He also disclosed that he has engaged notable insurance companies in the industry to support JABU through physical infrastructural developments while assuring that the CIIN’s full scholarship for the best graduating student in insurance will continue to be in force every year.
