The 5th day of May 2015 will remain a memorable day in the annals of history of Bigard Memorial Seminary, Enugu. On this day, she celebrated the matriculation of one hundred and five students into the Philosophy department, affiliated tothe University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
The event which took place in the Seminary Auditorium began at about 1.05pm with the procession of the matriculating students, Bigardformatorsand the representatives from University of Ibadan into the auditorium. Rev. Fr. Dr. Anthony Eze led in the opening prayer followed by the National anthem, University of Ibadan anthem, the Papal anthem and the Bigard anthem. The event was officially declared open by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. I. F. Adewole who was represented by Prof. A. RajiOyelade, Dean, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan.
In his opening address, the Rector Bigard Memorial Seminary, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Ukoro Theophilus Igwe welcomed the representatives from University of Ibadan, Bigard Formators, Bigard members of Staff, the parents of the matriculating students, visitors and the Seminarians to the occasion. He also thanked the Formators, Staff and Students for working assiduously towards the success of the day. Finally, he congratulated the matriculating students and urged them to make good use of the opportunity given to them so as to graduate with flying colors at the end of their philosophical studies.
In his turn, the Vice Chancellor represented by the Dean, Faculty of Arts addressed the matriculating students and urged them to maintain the standard for excellence of which Bigard is known. The matriculating students after the Vice Chancellor’s address took the oath of allegiance to the rules and regulations of the University standing with their right hands raised. The oath taking was administered by Dir. Ikeoluwapo O. Moody, Deputy Registrar, University of Ibadan.
She, after administering the oath, reminded the matriculating students that the oath taking only guaranteed partial admission until they sign the matriculation register. She also advised them to gear toward excellence in their academic pursuit, so as to maintain the excellent academic record of the University of Ibadan and Mother Bigard. The Bigard choir added flavor to the event with the rendition of a congratulatory piece to the matriculating students.
The Dean, Prof. Oyelade, after the choral rendition declared the ceremony closed. This was followed by the Bigard anthem, Papal anthem, the anthem of the University of Ibadan and the National anthem. The procession then took a reversed order out of the auditorium beginning from the representatives of the University of Ibadan. We congratulate our brothers and pray God to enlighten them as they undertake their philosophical studies.