“Pursue Excellence Through Hard Work and Continuous Learning”, UI Alumnus Charges Students

A Former Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Plc and Chairman, Board of Directors, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Dr Ademola Sogunle, who is an alumnus of the University of Ibadan has charged students of the Faculties of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources of the university to pursue excellence through concerted effort, passion, and continuous learning.

He gave the charge while delivering an Alumni Lecture in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the 1986 graduating class of the defunct Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry.

The lecture was entitled “Beyond Talents and Certificates: Shaping Perspectives for Future Excellent Performance”.

Dr. Sogunle reiterated that hard work and deliberate practice are important to achieving exceptional performance, urging students to complement their talents and academic qualifications with these qualities.

He explained that while the University of Ibadan provides students with exceptional academic faculties, resources, reputation, and networking opportunities, graduates must be prepared to translate their education into practical value and meaningful contributions to society.

The Alumni Lecturer challenged the students to rethink the relationship between academic excellence and career success, noting that graduating with outstanding grades and several awards do not automatically guarantee employment or exceptional professional performance.

He encouraged them to absorb knowledge, retain useful information, and continually develop their skills, stating that learning does not end at graduation.

Against this backdrop, he urged the students to identify their career interests early and acquire relevant skills alongside their academic qualifications, restating that academic qualifications alone may not always distinguish candidates competing for the same employment opportunity.

The Alumni Lecturer explained that employers increasingly consider qualities such as leadership, learning ability, analytical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills when assessing candidates, highlighting that graduates must be able to demonstrate their ability to learn, analyse situations and propose solutions rather than simply presenting academic certificates.

He added that talent is a poor indicator of future success, stressing that excellence is influenced by several factors, including sharp focus, hard work, strong memory, intrinsic passion, and deliberate practice.

He explained that deliberate practice enables individuals to perceive more, know more, and remember more, thereby developing the mastery and experience required for high-level performance.

Dr Sogunle urged students to improve their employability by acquiring relevant skills, pursuing professional qualifications, gaining experience through internships and voluntary work, building professional networks, and staying updated with developments in their respective fields.

He further encouraged them to prepare for the future by developing competencies that would enable them to work effectively alongside emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, big data, cloud platforms, quantum cryptography, and the metaverse.

The Alumni Lecturer advised the students to explore their passions, identify problems that require solutions, understand their target markets, develop side businesses responsibly, and cultivate self-discipline and accountability.

He identified capacity, character, and competence as essential components of extraordinary performance, explaining that individuals must combine the ability to sustain performance with sound moral qualities and the competence to perform tasks successfully and efficiently.

The President of the1986 Graduating Set and Vice-Chancellor, Edo State University, Professor Victor Adetimirin said he was proud of his classmates and hoped their legacy would inspire future generations of students to contribute to the advancement of the two faculties carved out of the old Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry. 

He stressed that the achievements of the 1986 set should serve as a reminder to current students that university life is not only about obtaining academic qualifications but also about developing the values, relationships and leadership skills needed to make a meaningful impact in society.

Earlier, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Tolulope Ososanya had commended the 1986 set of the Faculty of Agriculture for the show of love, loyalty and commitment, noting that the event was more than a faculty lecture or reunion homecoming, but a celebration of an enduring relationship between the faculty and the 1986 set. 

Professor Ososanya appreciated the 1986 set for the installation of solar light around the Faculties of Agriculture, and Renewable Natural Resources, refurbishment of seats in lecture theatres, thereby supporting the provision of an enabling environment for students.

The Dean, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, Professor Adejoke O. Akinyele, described the occasion as a special homecoming for the Class of 1986.

She said that although the former Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry had become defunct, following an administrative restructuring, its contributions and spirit are being perpetuated through its alumni.

She noted that members of the Class of 1986 have made contributions in academia, public service, industry, agriculture and other fields, adding that their achievements have brought pride to the University.

A goodwill message was delivered by the Programme Officer, Office of Alumni Relations (OAR), Mrs. Tejumola Ajao on behalf of the Director, Professor IkeOluwa Lagunju.

Courtesy: UI DIRECTORATE OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATION