By Wuraola Oyedokun
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan [UI], Prof. Kayode Adebowale,on Friday urged the institution’s graduating students to deploy their advanced training to reshape the continent through innovation, integrity and transformative leadership.
Adebowale made the call during the fourth day of the 2025 convocation ceremonies for the awards of post-graduate diplomas, admissions to higher degrees of Master, and Master of Philosophy [M.Ph.] in the Faculties of Arts, Education, Veterinary Medicine, Technology, Economics and Management Sciences, Renewable Energy, Environmental Design and Management, Multi-disciplinary Studies and Institute of Education.
The ceremonies took place at the International Conference Centre [ICC] of the institution, Ibadan.
Addressing the convocation audience, Adebowale said the post-graduates’ “labour has not been in vain,” describing the ceremony as a significant milestone in their intellectual metamorphosis. He lauded their academic rigour, saying the university “stands in admiration of your scholarship,” and reminded them that they now carry the responsibility of upholding UI’s heritage of excellence.
The VC noted that the Postgraduate College continues to serve as “a beacon of excellence in education” and a powerhouse of highly skilled professionals on the African continent, driven by a commitment to global best practices.
Adebowale said the degrees conferred on them were “not just academic qualifications,” urging them to go beyond consuming knowledge to its critical evaluation and creation. The advanced training they had received, he said, had equipped them to become thought leaders capable of changing Africa’s development trajectory.
“Be architects of minds and engineers of society’s progress. Be transformative leaders and inspire the next generation of thinkers. Lead the revolution Africa desperately needs,” he charged.
The VC emphasised the need for graduates to safeguard national health systems, ensure food safety, and help prevent future pandemics. He also called on them to drive industrialisation, build smart technologies that can propel Nigeria’s economy, champion the green economy, and uphold ethical leadership in both private and public life.
Adebowale reminded the new post-graduates to embody “unwavering integrity and excellence” as lifelong ambassadors of the university.
“You are the leaders who will determine the future of Africa. Go forward and build the Africa you wish to see,” he said.
Prizes were given to the excellent post-graduates, while 13 of them, including one who was excluded in the last convocation list, were given scholarships to pursue doctorate degree programmes.
