A total number of 4,430 students, representing 9.4 per cent took matriculation oath at the University of Ibadan for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Prof. Kayode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the institution stated that 46,916 applied for various courses at the University.
Adebowale spoke during the matriculation ceremony for newly admitted students of the university.
“Let us begin by putting your achievement into perspective. In the last admission cycle, out of the thousands of candidates who aspired to be here, you emerged as the cream of the crop,” Adebowale said.
“You represent a small, exceptional percentage of those who dreamed of wearing the prestigious indigo-blue and gold of this institution.”
Providing details of the admission process, the vice-chancellor said a total of 46,916 candidates applied to the university as their first-choice institution for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Out of the figure, 45,991 candidates applied through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), while 925 sought admission through direct entry (DE).
Adebowale said 13,618 of the applicants met the university’s 200-point threshold and subsequently sat for the institution’s post-UTME screening exercise with 7,046 candidates scoring 50 per cent and above.
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According to him, 4,171 candidates were admitted through UTME, while 259 secured admission through DE, bringing the total number of admitted students to 4,430.
“This represents 9.4 per cent of the total number of candidates who applied to the University of Ibadan. You are not just statistics; you are the 9.4 percent, the champions who proved themselves worthy of this platform,” he said.
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“Your admission is a testament to your hard work, resilience, and intellectual capacity.”
Adebowale also provided a breakdown of the admissions across faculties and colleges.
According to him, 159 students were admitted into the faculty of agriculture, 699 into arts-related courses, and 938 into the college of medicine.
He added that 179 students were admitted into computing, 204 into economics and management sciences, and 534 into the faculty of education.
Others include 87 admitted into environmental design and management, 140 into law, 128 into pharmacy, and 71 into renewable natural resources.
In addition, 417 students were admitted into sciences, 471 into technology, 323 into social sciences, and 80 into veterinary medicine.
Highlighting the institution’s history, Adebowale said the university, established in 1948 as a college of the University of London, has grown significantly over the decades.
“The University of Ibadan… started with foundational faculties of arts, sciences and medicine and has evolved into a citadel of learning with over 130 academic departments organised into twenty-three faculties, two colleges, six institutes and five centres,” he said.
Congratulating the newly admitted students and their families, the vice-chancellor said their admission was the result of dedication and perseverance.
“I once again extend a profound congratulations to you. This is the result of providence, diligence and hard work; and have placed in your hands a privilege of a lifetime,” he said.
Adebowale warned the students that admission into the university should not be seen as a reward but a challenge that demands commitment and discipline.
“Your admission is not just a reward; it is a challenge. The visa you have been given today, this matriculation, is not a ticket to complacency but a permit for a journey of rigorous work, discipline and relentless pursuit of knowledge,” he said.
Adebowale urged the students to make deliberate choices that would shape their future.
“As you begin this journey, I want to imprint one concept in your minds: genuine success is achieved through deliberate choices,” he said.
“The University of Ibadan is a vibrant community, a microcosm of Nigeria itself. Within these halls, you will be presented with a thousand different paths.”
Adebowale advised the students to choose their associations carefully and remain focused on academic excellence.
The VC warned that the university maintains a zero-tolerance policy for cultism, examination malpractice, harassment and other forms of misconduct.
“These are not mere rules; they are the ethical boundaries that protect our academic community and ensure a conducive environment for everyone,” Adebowale said.
