The University of Ibadan (UI) has announced that 448 students earned First Class honours out of a total of 5,900 graduates for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, made the announcement on Tuesday during the first day of the institution’s convocation ceremony, which featured graduates from the Faculties of Arts, Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Public Health, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Prof. Adebowale congratulated the graduating students, describing their achievements as a testament to discipline, resilience, and hard work. He expressed confidence that the university had equipped them to compete globally with competence, character, and creativity.
“The University of Ibadan has trained you to seize future opportunities with confidence and integrity,” he said, reaffirming UI’s status as Nigeria’s premier university and one of Africa’s most respected academic institutions.
He also highlighted the institution’s Postgraduate College, the largest in Africa as a major contributor to national and international manpower development. Additionally, he noted that the newly established Faculty of Computing had positioned UI as a leader in digital innovation and technology-driven education.
Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and infrastructural challenges, the Vice Chancellor commended the determination and creativity of Nigerian scholars and students.
“Despite these challenges, the spirit of innovation continues to drive UI’s progress and sustain its leadership in higher education,” Adebowale said.
He further celebrated the university’s recent accomplishments, citing several international recognitions, research breakthroughs, and student achievements in global competitions as proof of UI’s continued commitment to academic excellence.
Delivering the keynote address, UK-based medical practitioner and UI alumnus, Dr. Abel Adegoke, urged the graduands to embrace integrity, service, and perseverance as they step into the next phase of their lives.
“True growth doesn’t come from comfort,” Adegoke advised. “Go into the world not as job seekers but as creators of solutions. The world awaits the light of your brilliance.”
One of the graduates, Ayodeji Adeyemi of the Department of European Studies (French Unit), reflected on the value of his education, encouraging fellow students to see beyond academic certificates.
“The name UI has opened doors for me,” Adeyemi said. “It’s the weight of that name that helped me secure my current position as a corps member at the ECOWAS Commission. I’m deeply grateful.”
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