Babcock University Celebrates 148 First Class Graduates; VC Urges Electricity Tariff Review for Educational Institutions
Babcock University in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, celebrated the graduation of 2,842 students, including 148 First Class honorees. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ademola Tayo, urged the Nigerian government to reconsider electricity tariffs for educational institutions to better support education funding amidst economic challenges.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Babcock University has celebrated the graduation of 2,842 students, with 148 earning First Class honors. The event highlighted the institution's commitment to academic excellence amidst economic challenges. Prof. Ademola Tayo, the President/Vice Chancellor, called on the Nigerian government to reconsider electricity tariffs for educational institutions to support and prioritize education funding.
In his address, Prof. Tayo emphasized the need for policies that prioritize educational funding, stressing that the university faces significant financial pressures due to soaring inflation and increased operational costs. He stated, “Investing in education is crucial for Nigeria’s economic growth and development. The reclassification of customers in Band A for electricity tariff has significantly surged our monthly expenses, posing a challenge in maintaining quality education.”
Despite these hurdles, Prof. Tayo affirmed the university's dedication to upholding high educational standards. "We are resolute not to lower our standards but to raise the bar of education. This is our pledge to our stakeholders. Within our limited resources, we shall intensify efforts to eliminate wastage, cut costs, and remove redundancy without compromising standards."
The ceremony also honored Miss Elomezino Oghenemairo from the School of Education and Humanities, who emerged as the best graduating student with a CGPA of 4.89. Prof. Tayo urged graduates to carry forward the values and lessons learned at Babcock, stating, “You are the torchbearers of our university’s legacy. Be bold, curious, and strive for excellence.”
SEE MORE: Babcock University to Confer Honorary Degree on Chief Wole Olanipekun
Honorary degrees were awarded to Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, and Mrs. Bukola Onikepo-Smith. In his speech titled "Go and Replenish the Earth: Man’s Misconception of God’s Mandate," Chief Olanipekun advised graduates to choose role models wisely and avoid envy. Onikepo-Smith encouraged the graduates to stay focused and uphold accountability, resilience, and integrity.
Ogun State Governor, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, and Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, congratulated the graduates and awardees. Governor Abiodun highlighted the importance of contributing to the state's development despite economic challenges, while Governor Oyebanji thanked the university for honoring Chief Olanipekun.
Statistics of the graduating students showed that 333 were from the School of Management Sciences, 616 from the Veronica Adeleke School of Social Science, 64 from the School of Science and Technology, 575 from the School of Computing Sciences, 116 from the School of Education and Humanities, 123 from the School of Law and Security Studies, 239 from the Schools of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Services, while 400 finished at the College of Postgraduate Studies.
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This graduation ceremony underscores Babcock University's resilience and dedication to fostering academic excellence despite economic adversities.
