UI Alumnus Urges Students to Pursue Excellence Through Hard Work and Continuous Learning

A former Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, Dr. Ademola Sogunle, has urged students of the Faculties of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources at the University of Ibadan (UI) to pursue excellence through hard work, passion and continuous learning.

Dr. Sogunle, an alumnus of the University of Ibadan, gave the charge while delivering an Alumni Lecture to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the 1986 graduating class of the former Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry.

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

Dr. Sogunle emphasised the importance of hard work and deliberate practice in achieving exceptional performance, urging students to complement their talents and academic qualifications with these qualities.

He explained that although the University of Ibadan provides students with quality 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 reconsider the relationship between academic excellence and career success, noting that graduating with outstanding grades and several awards does not automatically guarantee employment or exceptional professional performance.

He encouraged the students to absorb knowledge, retain useful information and continually develop their skills, stressing that learning does not end with graduation.

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

According to him, employers increasingly consider qualities such as leadership, learning ability, analytical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills when assessing candidates.

He stressed that graduates must be able to demonstrate their ability to learn, analyse situations and propose solutions rather than simply presenting academic certificates.

Dr. Sogunle also stated that talent is a poor indicator of future success, noting 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.

The former Stanbic IBTC Holdings CEO 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, including 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 the 1986 Graduating Set and Vice-Chancellor of Edo State University, Professor Victor Adetimirin, said he was proud of his classmates and expressed hope that their legacy would inspire future generations of students to contribute to the advancement of the two faculties that emerged from the former Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry.

He stressed that the achievements of the 1986 graduating set should remind current students that university education is not only about obtaining academic qualifications but also about developing the values, relationships and leadership skills required to make a meaningful impact on society.

Earlier, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Professor Tolulope Ososanya, commended the 1986 set of the Faculty of Agriculture for demonstrating love, loyalty and commitment to the institution.

Professor Ososanya noted that the event was more than a faculty lecture or reunion homecoming, describing it as a celebration of the enduring relationship between the faculty and the 1986 graduating set.

The Dean appreciated the 1986 set for installing solar lights around the Faculties of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources and refurbishing seats in lecture theatres, thereby supporting the provision of a conducive learning environment for students.

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

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

According to her, members of the Class of 1986 have made contributions across academia, public service, industry, agriculture and other fields, adding that their achievements have brought pride to the University of Ibadan.

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.