The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, , FAS, fspsp has charged first-degree graduates of the university to be worthy ambassadors as they carry the name and reputation of the University of Ibadan with them across the globe.
He gave the charge on the first day of the 2025 convocation ceremonies when graduands were admitted to first degrees in the Faculties of Arts, Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Public Health, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
He reminded the graduates that their degree is not the end of their journey, but the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, wisdom and impact, stressing that the road ahead may be challenging, but they have been equipped to navigate it with courage and creativity.
Professor Adebowale advised the graduates to go forth and be light in the dark places, be the voice of reason in times of confusion, be the hands that build, the minds that innovate and the hearts that inspire.
He encouraged the graduates to let their conduct, work ethics, and contributions to society reflect the values of excellence, integrity, and service instilled in them at the institution.
The VC noted that every graduate of the University of Ibadan is a prime asset for national development, as its history and influence have made it a beacon of intellectual leadership and a symbol of national pride.
He remarked that the alumni of the University have made indelible contributions to Nigeria’s academic, political, industrial, economic and cultural development adding that some had served as presidents, governors, ministers, captains of industry, renowned academics, religious leaders and cultural icons.
The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the University’s commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, relevance and steadfastness, strengthening of curriculum, expanding of research capacity, and improving of facilities so that UI graduates could remain competitive on the global stage.
Despite economic uncertainties, infrastructural challenges, and social tensions, Professor Adebowale said it was laudable that the University of Ibadan has continued to soar with many exploits achieved by staff and students since the last convocation.
He noted that universities across the nation have grappled with funding constraints, infrastructural decay, brain drain and the need to adapt rapidly to technological disruptions, adding that the challenges have tested UI’s resolve to remain the best university in Nigeria, but they have also inspired innovation and a renewed commitment to its missions.
The Commencement Speaker, Principal and Senior Executive Partner, Primary Care Cardiovascular Physician, Hamilton Medical Centre, Birkenhead, Wirral, United Kingdom, Dr. Abel Kehinde Adegoke, an alumnus of the university, said UI was not just where he earned a degree; it was where he acquired knowledge and learned many skills that stood him in good stead in life.
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He counselled the 2025 graduates of the University to carry the power of resilience with them as they move forward into the world, saying that resilience is not built when life is easy but it is forced when one is pushed to a limit and cannot keep going.
Dr. Adegoke disclosed that it was in the university that he learned Resilience, Respect, and Resourcefulness, and also discovered that intelligence alone is not enough, but that character, perseverance, and compassion sustain greatness.
He urged the graduates to be resilient, stressing that resilience is not about enduring hardship, it is about transforming obstacles into opportunities and turning the setback into a stepping stone.
He encouraged the graduates to always remember that perseverance, adaptability, and dedication will carry them far and to use every challenge they encounter to strengthen their resolve, shape their character, and inspire their purpose saying that this is what makes a University of Ibadan graduate stand tall anywhere in the world.
He reminded them that the world they are going into today as graduates has changed, acknowledging that Artificial Intelligence is rewriting industries, climate change is reshaping economies and old job titles are disappearing while new ones are emerging.
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He charged them not to let fear limit them, saying they are equipped with more than just a certificate but are armed with the ability to learn, to adapt, to create, and to lead.
He stressed the need for the graduates to carry the UI spirit of excellence, of integrity, of service with them.
Prizes were presented to the best graduating students and other award winners in the various faculties.
