By Esther Sangodele
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Kayode Adebowale; a business development expert, Dr. Ibrahim Hammed, and the Acting Head of the Department of Business, Entrepreneurship and Executive Education, University of Ibadan School of Business (UISB), Dr. Omitoyin Siyanbola, have urged students to place greater emphasis on character development alongside academic excellence, insisting that integrity, discipline and ethical leadership remain the true foundations of lasting success.
They made the call at the inaugural Alumni Personality Lecture Series of the UISB held at Trenchard Hall, where academics, alumni, industry leaders and students gathered to discuss the theme, “Beyond the Certificate: Building Characters that Open Doors.”
Addressing the audience, Adebowale said universities must move beyond the traditional role of awarding degrees and focus on producing responsible leaders equipped with the values required to transform society.
According to him, while academic excellence remains a core mandate of higher education, universities must deliberately nurture integrity, resilience, emotional intelligence, empathy and accountability.
“A university education must be about more than the acquisition of knowledge or the pursuit of grades. While academic excellence is a non-negotiable pillar of our mission, we must never lose sight of the fact that we are in the business of building people.
“The certificate you earn is an important key; it can get you through the entrance of many opportunities. But what happens after that door opens? It is your character that will determine whether you are invited to stay, to grow and to lead,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
He stressed that degrees alone could not sustain careers in an increasingly competitive and uncertain world, urging students to cultivate values that inspire trust, strengthen relationships and promote responsible leadership.
Adebowale lauded the University of Ibadan School of Business for introducing the Alumni Personality Lecture Series, describing it as a strategic platform for mentorship, ethical leadership and stronger engagement between accomplished alumni and students.
Delivering the inaugural lecture, Hammed challenged students to pursue character with the same passion they devote to academic qualifications, maintaining that employers and business leaders increasingly place greater value on integrity and competence than certificates alone.
“A certificate may get you into the room, but your character determines how long you remain there,” he said.
He added that certificates could neither earn trust nor repair relationships damaged by dishonesty, urging students to cultivate diligence, courage, humility, creativity and resilience throughout their careers.
Hammed urged students to become active learners by studying ahead of lectures, asking informed questions and embracing continuous learning beyond graduation.
He also charged them to build strong professional networks, noting that social capital often creates opportunities that academic qualifications alone cannot provide.
“Chase value, not money. When you become a person of value, money will follow. Continue to improve yourself every day because learning does not end after graduation,” he said.
Addressing alumni, Hammed urged them to remain connected to their alma mater by mentoring younger graduates and contributing to institutional development.
“Do not pull up the ladder after climbing it. Building people creates lasting institutions, while helping others succeed strengthens society,” he added.
In her welcome address, Siyanbola described the maiden Alumni Personality Lecture as a landmark initiative designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical business experience through sustained alumni engagement.
The HOD said the School of Business conceived the lecture series to reconnect successful alumni with current students, allowing them to share practical insights, inspire innovation and mentor future business leaders.
“The Alumni Personality Lecture was conceived with a simple but powerful vision, to bring home trailblazers, innovators and leaders who carved successful careers with the same education our students are receiving today. They are proof of what is possible,” she said.
According to her, while the classroom provides theoretical knowledge, accomplished alumni are better positioned to demonstrate how those theories translate into practical solutions for business and society.
Siyanbola noted that the initiative would strengthen networking, mentorship, professional collaboration and industry partnerships while reinforcing the University of Ibadan School of Business’ reputation as a centre of excellence in business education, entrepreneurship and leadership development.
She urged students to view the lecture as more than an academic exercise, encouraging them to learn from both the achievements and challenges experienced by accomplished professionals.
Also speaking, the Pioneer Director of UISB, Prof. Adenike Osofisan, called for stronger governance structures for the school, advocating the restoration of its governing board to drive strategic growth and deepen engagement with industry.
She noted that the school was established to serve both academic and business interests and should continue to strengthen partnerships with industry leaders through flexible executive education and modular programmes for working professionals.
Also speaking, the Director of the University’s Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Prof. Sherifat Aboaba, said the institution was expanding entrepreneurship education and business planning training for students as part of efforts to strengthen the linkage between the university and industry.
Aboaba expressed confidence that ongoing reforms would position the centre to make greater contributions to entrepreneurship development and innovation in the coming years.
