By Wuraola Oyedokun
Achievers University, Owo, on Saturday conferred degrees on 705 graduands at its 15th Convocation Ceremony, as the institution unveiled major academic, research, and infrastructural strides aimed at strengthening its position in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
Speaking at the ceremony, which also marked the university’s 18th Foundation Day, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, described the event as both a celebration of academic excellence and a reaffirmation of the university’s commitment to producing graduates equipped with character, competence, and innovation.
According to Aremu, 656 of the graduands received first degrees, including 72 First Class honours, while 49 others earned postgraduate qualifications comprising Postgraduate Diplomas, Master’s degrees, and one Doctor of Philosophy. He said the results reflected the institution’s sustained focus on quality teaching, learning, and student development.
“Convocation ceremonies are moments of culmination and commencement. They celebrate diligence over difficulty and mark the beginning of new responsibilities for our graduates as ambassadors of this university,” Aremu said.
He urged the graduating students to place greater emphasis on character and emotional intelligence, noting that academic brilliance alone was insufficient for long-term career success.
Quoting psychologist Daniel Goleman, the Acting Vice-Chancellor said emotional and social intelligence accounted for a greater proportion of professional achievement than intellectual ability.
The ceremony featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on three eminent Nigerians: the Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, who received a Doctor of Science in Public Administration; diplomat Prince Roland Olawumi Omowa, honoured with a Doctor of Science in Business Administration; and entrepreneur Folajimi Akinloye Adetula, also awarded a Doctor of Science in Public Administration.
Highlighting the university’s academic milestones, Aremu announced that Achievers University recorded notable research and professional achievements during the 2024/2025 academic session.
He cited the selection of a final-year engineering student, Oni Favour Oluwafemi, among 50 participants worldwide for a United States–based innovation programme, where he presented a healthcare-focused research paper.
He also disclosed that the university’s Accounting programme secured re-accreditation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), while its pioneer Law graduates recorded outstanding performance at the Nigerian Law School, with several earning First Class and Second Class Upper Division honours.
On infrastructure, Aremu said construction was ongoing at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, following approval for the facility to serve as the teaching hospital for the university’s College of Medicine. The projects include a clinical hostel and academic block designed to meet global standards in medical education.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor further revealed that Achievers University had expanded its ICT infrastructure, introduced a College and Faculty Rating System to promote academic competitiveness, and launched certificate and diploma programmes to enhance graduate employability.
“As we grow, our goal remains clear: to ensure no graduate leaves here with only a degree,” he said.
