UI VC Charges Graduates to Uphold Excellence as Ambassadors of the University

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, has urged the newly graduated first-degree holders to uphold the values of the institution and serve as worthy ambassadors as they step into the wider world.

He delivered the charge on the first day of the 2025 Convocation Ceremonies for graduands from the Faculties of Arts, Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Public Health, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Professor Adebowale reminded the graduates that their degree marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and societal contribution. He acknowledged that the future may present challenges but stressed that their training at the University of Ibadan has equipped them with the courage, creativity and competence required to excel.

He encouraged them to be a force for positive change—light in difficult environments, voices of reason in turbulent times, and innovators dedicated to building and inspiring. The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that their conduct, work ethic and community impact must reflect the university’s core values of excellence, integrity and service.

He described every UI graduate as an asset to national development, noting that the university’s alumni have been central to Nigeria’s evolution across academia, governance, industry, culture and religious leadership. He affirmed that UI’s legacy as the nation’s premier institution continues to place its graduates at the forefront of national and global influence.

Professor Adebowale restated the university’s commitment to strengthening its curriculum, deepening research capacity, and upgrading infrastructure to ensure its graduates remain globally competitive. He acknowledged persistent national challenges—including limited funding, brain drain, infrastructural decline and rapid technological change—but noted that these pressures have also spurred innovation within the institution.

The Commencement Speaker, Dr. Abel Kehinde Adegoke, Principal and Senior Executive Partner, Primary Care Cardiovascular Physician at Hamilton Medical Centre, Birkenhead, Wirral, United Kingdom, reflected on his formative experiences at UI. He stated that the university imparted not just academic knowledge but critical life skills—resilience, respect and resourcefulness.

Dr. Adegoke urged the graduates to carry resilience into the next phase of their lives, describing it as the ability to convert obstacles into opportunities and setbacks into progress. He stressed that character, perseverance and compassion ultimately sustain long-term success, not intelligence alone.

He also highlighted the evolving global landscape, shaped by artificial intelligence, climate change and shifting labour markets, and encouraged the graduates to leverage adaptability, creativity and continuous learning as their competitive advantages. He charged them to embody the UI spirit of excellence, integrity and service wherever they go.

Prizes were awarded to outstanding graduates and faculty-level award recipients during the ceremony.