The University of Ibadan (UI) has graduated a total of 5,900 students, including 448 First Class honorees, as part of its 77th Founder’s Day celebrations.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, announced this on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of the 2025 convocation at the university’s International Conference Centre. The graduates come from 23 faculties, the Distance Learning Centre (DLC), and affiliated institutions. Among them, 1,773 earned Second Class (Upper Division), 3,039 achieved Second Class (Lower Division), 461 obtained Third Class, while the remaining students graduated with other classifications. The first day of the convocation featured graduates from the Faculties of Arts, Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Public Health, and Dentistry.
Highlighting the university’s legacy, Professor Adebowale said UI holds a “unique and cherished place in the heart of the nation” through its global alumni network. He praised the institution for its contributions to Nigeria’s academic, industrial, economic, and cultural development, noting that its graduates have gone on to serve as presidents, governors, ministers, captains of industry, and renowned academics.
Congratulating the graduands, Adebowale described their time at the university as “a journey of discipline, discovery, and immense dedication” and encouraged them to pursue future opportunities with confidence, competence, and character. He also commended parents and guardians for their support throughout the students’ academic journeys.
The commencement speaker, Dr. Abel Kehinde Adegoke, GP Principal and Senior Executive Partner at Hamilton Medical Centre, UK, inspired graduates with his career experiences. Emphasizing resilience, he advised: “Resilience is not just about enduring hardship; it’s about transforming obstacles into opportunities and turning setbacks into stepping stones. True growth comes from embracing challenges and learning from them.”
Dr. Adegoke urged the graduands to approach the future with courage, adaptability, and dedication, emphasizing that these qualities would determine their success.
The overall best graduating student for the 2025 convocation is Ridwan Ayomide Agboola.
