By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
University of Ibadan has produced 418 First Class graduates from 15 faculties, its distance learning centres and affiliated institutes for its 2024 convocation.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, disclosed this at the first day of the convocation ceremonies in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Adebowale, while speaking at the occasion, urged the 6,664 graduating students of the institution to make positive impacts through their talents, passion and unique perspectives.
He commended the graduating students on the feat achieved through resilience, creativity and perseverance, enjoining them to use their skills, knowledge and values that had been developed.
“With the foundations that the University of Ibadan has given you, I have no doubt that you are already empowered to competently and courageously embrace the future.
“Nevertheless, as you venture forth, remember that your education is only a foundation, not a destination.
“The world needs your talents, passion and unique perspectives. Therefore, go forth with confidence, empathy and a commitment to making positive impacts,” he said.
The vice-chancellor told the graduating students that they would be faced with complexities, uncertainties and challenges as they continued in life’s journey, adding, however, that they were oftentimes invaluable life opportunities in disguise.
“Draw upon the skills that you have learnt here to navigate, innovate and lead. Stay curious, adaptable and open to lifelong learning.
“You are joining a global network of alumni, united by a shared experience and commitment to excellence.
“Stay connected, support one another and inspire others. You now belong to a global community,” he said.
Adebowale said that the institution had continued to produce globally-competitive graduates, even in the face of its myriad of challenges and threats.
He particularly mentioned funding challenge and inconsistent educational policies as two major hurdles in the university’s way of fulfilling its vision and mission.
“The current nationwide economic challenges make it even harder to scale the hurdles.
“Nevertheless, I must acknowledge the intervention of government in easing the challenges, and commend the approval of new private universities,” he said.
According to him, despite the increase in the number of institutions, access to university education remains a daunting issue, as federal and state universities account for more than 95 per cent of the access.
“Therefore, there is a pressing need for renewed commitment to educational advancement through effective, consistent and harmonised policies.
“At Ibadan, we have been taking initiatives to seek support from our alumni network.
“It would be greatly appreciated if the government could facilitate operations for public universities by enacting policies that provide a degree of financial autonomy without unnecessary restrictions,” he said.
The vice-chancellor described every graduate of the institution as an asset for national reform across various fields of endeavours.
In his convocation lecture, Managing Partner of Afe Babalola & Co., Mr Kehinde Ogunwumiju, urged the graduating students to embrace the principle of gratitude capable of enabling them to succeed in life.
Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and alumnus of the institution, shared how the culture of gratitude had helped in harnessing human and other resources around him, thus enabling him to achieve his goals in record time.
“I urge you to carry the principle of gratitude with you as you move forward into the world. Let it inform your actions, enhance your relationships and guide your decisions.
“The world awaits your contributions, and the practice of gratitude will illuminate your path, providing clarity and purpose,” he said.
The Valedictorian, Usman Oyekan, appreciated the institution, parents and guardians for their contributions toward achieving the academic feat in spite of some setbacks, such as COVID-19 and strikes by workers’ unions.
(NAN)