KWASU Awards 82 First Class Degrees at 13th Convocation Ceremony

Kwara State University (KWASU) has awarded 82 First Class degrees at its 13th Convocation Ceremony for the conferment of first and postgraduate degrees and the presentation of prizes, marking another milestone in the institution’s academic growth.

The convocation was preceded by a week-long programme of activities, beginning with a press briefing by the Vice-Chancellor and culminating in the main ceremony.

Speaking at the convocation, the Visitor to the University and Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, CON, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to quality and accessible tertiary education. Represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibo Kawu, the Governor said sustained investments by the state government had strengthened KWASU’s capacity to deliver world-class education. He cited the completion of the Osi and Ilesha-Baruba campuses as evidence of the government’s resolve to expand academic infrastructure across the state.

The Visitor urged the graduating students to take active roles in providing sustainable solutions to societal challenges and to serve as worthy ambassadors of the University wherever they find themselves.

In his address, the Chancellor of KWASU, Engr. Dr. Johnson Bamidele Adewumi, FNSE, described the University as a growing brand of excellence in teaching, research, community service, and entrepreneurship training. He commended the Kwara State Government for its consistent support, noting that strong proprietorial backing remains critical to achieving the institution’s vision and mission.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Abdulganiyu Ambali, OON, attributed the University’s stable academic calendar and peaceful learning environment to effective collaboration among management, staff unions, and students. He also expressed appreciation to traditional rulers and host communities in Moro, Ekiti, and Baruten Local Government Areas for their continued cooperation and support.

Presenting the graduation statistics, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaykh-Luqman Jimoh, disclosed that 8,119 students successfully completed their programmes during the 2024/2025 academic session. Of this number, 7,618 were awarded first degrees, while 501 received postgraduate degrees.

According to him, 82 graduates earned First Class honours, 1,986 graduated with Second Class Upper Division, and 1,355 obtained Third Class degrees. At the postgraduate level, the University produced 75 doctoral graduates, 160 academic master’s degree holders, and 266 professional master’s degree recipients.

Professor Jimoh attributed the academic and institutional achievements recorded during the period under review to the dedication and professionalism of both teaching and non-teaching staff. He assured stakeholders that the University’s management would remain committed to advancing KWASU’s vision through academic excellence, impactful research, and infrastructural development.

The highlight of the convocation was the presentation of prizes, during which Abdulrafiu Abolaji Ibrahim of the Department of Civil Engineering emerged as the winner of the Vice-Chancellor’s Prize for the Overall Best Graduating Student for the 2024/2025 academic session.

The convocation activities formally commenced on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, with a press briefing, followed by an exhibition showcasing products and services developed by various departments and centres of the University.

The Convocation Lecture, held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, was delivered by Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, OFR, and titled “Universities in the Age of Quantum Thinking: Redefining Quality, Relevance, and Innovation through Emerging Technologies.” In the lecture, Professor Okebukola advocated creative and forward-looking approaches to higher education in the digital age and recommended the development of a comprehensive artificial intelligence literacy programme to equip all graduates with foundational AI knowledge.

He also called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to require universities to establish and implement AI ethics frameworks before deploying artificial intelligence tools for admissions and student assessment, to ensure responsible and transparent use of emerging technologies.

Following the lecture, the traditional convocation stage play, Lisabi Agbongbo-akala, written by Olu Owolabi, was performed by the Department of Performing Arts and Film Studies. The play portrayed the historical betrayal of Lisabi by his own people.

At a staff luncheon held on Friday, December 12, 2025, the Vice-Chancellor announced Engr. Dr. Abdulwaheed Musa of the Faculty of Engineering and Mr. Sikiru Lawal as recipients of the Researcher of the Year and Staff of the Year awards for the 2024/2025 academic session, respectively. He explained that the awards were instituted to encourage excellence, innovation, and dedication among staff members.