The University of Ibadan (UI) on Monday awarded 5,227 candidates First Degree and Diploma at its 74th Foundation Day and Convocation Ceremonies in Ibadan.
Its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, on the first day of the event, urged the graduands to hold on to the values acquired in the institution.
“We live in a season of amazing paradoxes. Global wealth is rising, but global poverty is also rising.
“There are more billionaires in the world today than the world ever had, but there are also more people living in poverty today than was ever the case.
“You are leaving this venue today to walk into that paradox.
“I assure you that if you hold on to the values that you acquired here, the values of hard work, diligence, honesty and transparency, you will walk into the door of prosperity.
“It will take creativity, courage, being technologically savvy and enterprising. But you came this far because you cherished those skills and values. Keep on going higher,” Adebowale said.
Quoting Nora Ephron, he said: ‘Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.
“Now, the dress rehearsal is over. Get on the real stage and do great things in the life that is yours to lead,” Adebowale said.
He said it gladdened his heart that the institution was ranked among Nigeria’s top three varsities for 2023.
Adebowale, having highlighted the achievements of the institution since he assumed office, recognised the role of the university’s alumni and Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for interventions and generous support.
Adebowale said, “One of the biggest challenges the university has had to contend with over the years is gross underfunding.
“Being a public institution, the main source of funding is the government which, owing to the prevailing hostile economic environment, has increasingly been unable to cater for much of our financial needs.
“However, the university continues to thrive with a great ray of hope that better days are ahead.”
In a lecture, Prof. Peter Olaitan, the Chief Medical Director, UniOsun Teaching Hospital, advised the graduates against resting on their oars, but to make the university and the country proud.
Olaitan regretted the continuous industrial actions that had added ‘x’ number of years to the years of studies of students, noting that lasting solutions must be found to address it.
