The Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, is to hold its first convocation ceremony on Saturday where the first set of 231 graduands would receive their certificates.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na'Allah, told newsmen on Tuesday that five students emerged with First Class, 59 with second Class Upper while 145 bagged second class lower.

According to Na'Allah, the convocation would be a sharp departure from the conventional ones in the nation's universities.

He said the university had introduced the concept of community procession whereby the convocation procession would commence from Malete market to the campus, eliciting interaction with residents of the host community.

Na'Allah said a mock procession was held last week and was widely acclaimed by the community as novel.

KWASU, he said, was established as a university of community development with strong emphasis on entrepreneurial development.

He added that the university had established a film village in Malate to train actors, students and film directors with Mrs Joke Silva as pioneer Managing Director.

The vice chancellor said the university was collaborating with companies in the U.S and China in the area of alternative energy, adding that a solar panel factory would be established in the state.

Na'Allah said a firm, Rana Power Limited, would be set up to produce and distribute solar energy for the benefit of Nigerians.

To boost tourism in the country, he said a Department of Tourism Merchandising and Hospitality was created and would be headed by Prof. Peter Dieke of George Mason University in the U.S. (NAN)