The University of Ibadan (UI) has awarded 5,227 candidates with first degrees and diplomas at the 74th Foundation Day and Convocation Ceremonies held on Monday.
In his address on the first day of the event held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, the vice chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, charged the graduates to hold on to the values acquired in the institution.
“We live in a season of amazing paradoxes. Global wealth is rising but global poverty is also rising. There are more billionaires in the world today than the world ever had but there are also more people living in poverty today than was ever the case.
“You are leaving this venue today to walk into that paradox. I assure you that if you hold on to the values you acquired here, the values of hard work, diligence, honesty and transparency, you will enter the door of prosperity.
“It will take creativity, courage, being technologically savvy and enterprising. But you came this far because you cherished those skills and values. Keep on going higher.
“Nora Ephron says, “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” Now the dress rehearsal is over. Get on the real stage and do great things in the life that is yours to lead,” Adebowale said.
He said it gladdened his heart that the University of Ibadan was ranked among Nigeria’s top three universities for 2023.
The vice-chancellor, having highlighted the institution’s achievements since he assumed office, recognised the role of the institution’s alumni and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for their interventions and generous support.
Addressing the institution’s visitors, President Muhammadu Buhari Adebowale said, “One of the biggest challenges the university has had to contend with over the years is gross underfunding.
“Being a public institution, the main funding source is the government, which, owing to the prevailing hostile economic environment, has increasingly been unable to cater to much of our financial needs. However, the University continues to thrive with a great ray of hope that better days are ahead.”
In his commencement lecture, Prof. Peter Olaitan, Chief Medical Director, UniOsun Teaching Hospital, charged the graduates not to rest on their oars but to make the university and the country proud.
Olaitan lamented the continuous industrial actions that have added ‘x’ number of years to students’ studies, noting that lasting solutions must be found to address this.
