The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has charged fresh graduates of the university to go forth with confidence, seize every opportunity that comes their way, lead the change Nigeria needs, and claim their rightful place at the top.
He gave the charge during the second day of the 2025 Convocation ceremonies when graduands were admitted to First Degrees in the Faculties of Agriculture, the Social Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Technology, Law, Economics & Management Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources.
Professor Adebowale encouraged them to utilise the skills and knowledge they acquired while in pursuit of their academic goals to propel themselves forward, even in uncertain times.
He told them to believe in Nigeria’s rich history and potential to become one of the world’s leading nations and become a beautiful part of the nation’s history.
He reiterated that the University has towered highest in its countless contributions to human capital development, research outputs, and community service across the world through its staff both academic and non-teaching, and particularly through its quality alumni.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the University, which had confered its degrees upon accomplished individuals, is still proudly graduating a new generation of innovative entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, visionary leaders, and talented change makers into the world.
The commencement speaker, Mrs Bola Olajomi-Otubu, MD/CEO Beige Spaces Limited, an alumna of UI, warned the graduands that life after UI will test their resolve and determination to build their dreams, that there will be days when their plans will collapse like an un-reinforced building and that there will be seasons of delay, disappointment, or doubt.
She, however, admonished them that in those moments, they should remember their foundation and the lessons they learned within the university’s great walls, have faith in themselves, and sail above the tide.
Mrs Olajomi-Otubu narrated that her journey has been full of such tests, and that she has moved from the bottom to the top at different times to build a career that presently employs close to 60 professionals by leveraging the strong foundation that UI gave her.
She explained that through her journey to prominence from nothing, she learnt a few lessons along the way about practical wisdom, which she advised the graduates to imbibe and carry into the next season of their lives.
She urged them to choose “the hard and the right” over “the easy and the quick,” warning that real success is not microwaved.
She, also charged the graduates to be still in the midst of chaos, build and not just hustle, build community as currency, challenge stereotypes, find purpose to stay anchored through the tough times and stand on the shoulders of giants.
She advised them to be builders of the future and always remember that they are builders of dreams, systems, businesses, and nations, saying that every great structure begins with one decision to believe.
Mrs Olajomi-Otubu emphasized the need for the graduates to believe that their story matters, that they can rise from challenges to purpose, and that their purpose, their “whys?” would keep them focused and anchored to determine the how.
The speaker submitted that the future belongs to those who are bold, who build brick by brick, choice by choice, and faith by faith; and those who dare to believe that nothing is impossible.
The convocation ceremony witnessed the presentation of prizes and awards to best graduating students of various categories at faculty and departmental levels.
