In a landmark academic milestone, McPherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State, on Thursday 24 July 2025, held its maiden induction ceremony for 34 graduating students from the departments of Computer Science, Cybersecurity, and Software Engineering into the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria CPN. The event brought together proud parents, faculty members, and top officials of CPN from Abuja and neighbouring states, in celebration of the institution’s growing relevance in Nigeria’s tech landscape.
The highlight of the ceremony was the keynote lecture delivered by Mr. Ayomide Jegede, a distinguished Computer Scientist and now a trailblazing IT consultant. Speaking on the theme “Disrupt or Be Disrupted: Becoming a Future Ready IT Professional” Mr. Jegede challenged the inductees to rise beyond conventional career expectations and embrace the global digital revolution. “If you’re graduating today, you’re not just entering a tech industry, you’re entering a revolution,” he declared.
Drawing from his personal experience, Jegede emphasized that the world no longer hires based solely on academic degrees, but on skills, creativity, and mastery of relevant tools. He cited cutting edge trends like artificial intelligence, smart factories, remote work platforms, blockchain, and the gig economy as forces reshaping global employment. “You’re not competing with your classmates,” he warned, “you’re competing with developers in India, Kenya, Ukraine, and the Philippines. What matters now is what’s in your zip file, not your zip code.”
He further pointed out that Nigeria’s current challenges from epileptic power to underdeveloped infrastructure are not setbacks but opportunities for innovation. “Problems are startups in disguise,” he said. “Don’t complain about poor internet or power outages. Solve one problem, and your future will solve itself.” He encouraged the students to develop the 3Gs of future readiness: Grit to keep going, Growth to remain relevant, and Grace to lead ethically.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Francis Adegbaye Igbasan, expressed joy over the successful organization of the maiden induction and warmly welcomed the officials of CPN, parents, Staff, and the Inductees. He thanked parents for their sacrifices and described the day as a historic milestone. He praised the students’ resilience over four years and urged them to let the professional oath guide their career with integrity, confidentiality, and responsibility.
The formal administration of the professional oath was conducted by CPN officials, as the 34 Students stood and recited their pledge to uphold the ethics of the computing profession. Dr. Emmanuel Ibam, the Acting Dean of the College of Computing, emphasized that the induction was not automatic, but based on strict assessment. He noted that among the inductees are developers, tech entrepreneurs, and aspiring innovators.
Professor Igbasan also took time to counsel the new professionals on the importance of soft skills, especially in dealing with clients and stakeholders. He urged them to be ethical, punctual, and transparent. “Computer professionals,” he said, “are trusted with sensitive information and systems. What you do with that trust will define your legacy.”
Tributes were paid to academic pioneers who laid the foundation for the three departments. These included Dr. Kenneth Kanayo Asogwa, former Acting Head of the Department of Physical and Computer Sciences, Dr. Emmanuel Ibam, Acting Dean, Dr. Kayode Oladapo, Acting Head of Computer Science, Dr. Oladapo Adeduro, Acting Head of Cybersecurity, and Dr. Adesola Falade, Acting Head of Software Engineering. The Vice Chancellor acknowledged their leadership and sacrifice in nurturing the College.
In his closing remarks, the Acting Registrar, Mr. Olufemi Adebowale, charged the inductees to go forth as ambassadors of McPherson University and change makers in the tech space. “Your journey doesn’t end here,” he said. “You must continue to grow, learn, and lead.” Also in attendance were Officials of the Computer Professionals of Nigeria, CPN, Mr. Toyin Komolafe, Director of Registration, Regulations and Control, Mrs. Lizy Adekunle, Induction Officer, and other Principal Officers, including the University Librarian, Dr. Jerome Idiegbeyan-Ose and Bursar, Mrs. Aderonke Adeofun.