“Draw Upon Knowledge Acquired in UI to Navigate, Innovate, and Lead,” VC tells First Degree Graduates.
Oru Leonard
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, fspsp, FAS, has charged first degrees graduands to draw upon the knowledge that they have acquired in the University of Ibadan to navigate, innovate, and lead the world.
Professor Adebowale gave the charge during the first day of the 2024 Convocation ceremonies when graduands were admitted to first degrees in the Faculties of Arts, Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Law, Public Health, Dentistry, Economics and Management Sciences.
He told the first degree graduates to remember that education is only a foundation, not a destination saying that the world needs their talents, passion, and unique perspectives with confidence, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
The Vice-Chancellor advised the graduands to stay connected, support one another, inspire others,
stay curious, adaptable, and open to lifelong learning as they join a global network of alumni, united by a shared experience and commitment to excellence.
Professor Adebowale noted that at 76, the University of Ibadan has continued to wax stronger in preparing human resources that meet both local and global standards as its contribution to the advancement of society.
He said that the fact that UI has continued to run consistently among the prestigious universities in the world is an acknowledgement of its contribution.
He remarked that the University’s alumni, staff, and students are making great impact on the world through their discoveries, innovations, and inventions in science, medicine, agriculture, business, and technology.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that the University’s commitment to academic excellence enables its products to fly high.
He said it was laudable that the University of Ibadan has continued to produce globally competitive graduates despite the array of challenges and threats that it faces.
He said deepening funding challenges and inconsistent educational policies are two major hurdles in the University’s way of fulfilling its vision and mission.
The Commencement Speaker at the Convocation ceremony, the Managing Partner, Afe Babalola & Co., Mr. Kehinde Olamide Ogunwumiju OFR, SAN, FCI Arb (UK), counselled 2024 graduands of the University of Ibadan to carry the principle of gratitude with them as they move forward into the world.
He said the practice of gratitude will illuminate their path, providing clarity and purpose and enhancing their actions, relationships, and guiding their decisions in the world that awaits their contributions.
Mr. Ogunwumiju, an alumnus of the University of Ibadan, advised the graduands to embrace the future with open hearts and minds, and never underestimate the profound power of gratitude in shaping their lives and the lives of others.
In a presentation titled “Gratitude: The Compass for a Life of Impact and Purpose,” Mr Ogunwumiju said as the graduands celebrate their remarkable achievements, gratitude should be expressed to the university, faculties, departments, staff, parents, guardians, sponsors and friends that guided them through their academic journey, who have supported them with unwavering love and encouragement and God, whom it has pleased to see them through to the end of this journey.
He noted that a grateful person is always humble and courteous adding that humility and politeness are perhaps the most attractive attributes of any young professional who wants to be identified in his chosen field as ‘promising’ or ‘up-and-coming’ or ‘likely to be successful.’
Prizes were given to the best graduating students and other award winners in the various faculties.
(UI Press)
