On 29 May 2019, the Graduation Lecture for students at Dominican Institute took place in the outstanding, Tom and Carolyn Walker hall of the Dominican University in Samonda, Ibadan. The event began at 4 pm with Friar Joseph Abba as the MC. The opening prayer was led by Rev Emmanuel Ezugwu, MST. With the welcome address of the planning committee delivered by its chairman, Friar Christian Nwakamma, the guest lecturer mounted the dais.

The lecturer for this event was Rev Fr Prof. BonaChristus Umeogu, Professor of African Metaphysics of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State, Nigeria. Dr. Philip Edema of the Augustine University Lagos moderated the lecture.
In his lecture captioned: Hermeneutics of Religion and Manipulation of Politics in Nigeria, Prof. Umeogu condemned the uninformed disposition of religion taking a political shape in Nigeria. During his lecture, he made clear distinctions between religion and politics but held that there can be a meeting point that will successfully realize the goal of each of the institution for the betterment of the human person. Prof. Umeogu underscored that until harmony is reached manipulation as it is the case with Nigeria is inevitable. He held so convincingly that the manipulation and unfavourable interplay of politics and religion in Nigeria is as a result of the enthronement of politicians as demi-gods. In his words, “when politics becomes religion or religion becomes political, the politicians become gods.”
The Institute in this event is combining for the first time the graduation lecture for the departments of philosophy and theology. During the ceremony, the president of the Institute, Rev. Fr. Dr. Emeka Nwosu reiterated the essence of the ceremony which is to set a task for the graduating students as part of their contribution towards world civilization. Quoting the moderator of the lecture, Dr. Philip Edema who said that Nigerian politics makes politicians subhuman and religion adds to the injury by making them stupid, he noted that the task of the graduating students is to clarify the role of politics and religion so that each as separate entity or partners in progress will harmoniously realize a better society. He remarked that “politicians must have authentic transcendental values without necessarily being religious and those who are religious without necessarily being politicians must pay attention to the immanent needs of the people.” He shared the conviction that “we lose sight of our transcendental values when we manipulate religion or politics.”

The lecture was well grazed with the presence of distinguished guests from the academia near and far, family and friends attended the ceremony to share in the joy of our graduating students which is both the result of hard work and grace. The management and staff of the Dominican Institute wish all our graduates success in their future careers or studies and proudly congratulate them on their academic achievements and successful graduation from DI. The event came to an end with a closing prayer led by Rev Fr Francis Chiadi, OP at about 6:26 pm.