By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The 2024/2025 graduating students of the University of Ibadan (UI) have taken to various social media platforms to share stunning photographs and stories of their sojourn at the tertiary institution.
The photographs show many of the graduates draped in elegant-looking navy blue convocation gowns, caps and brown and lemon green coloured hoods to match, with some pairing their outfits with a sash.
The radiant-looking graduates dazzled in their beautiful outfits, complete with warm smiles and elegant poses.
The photographs have since gained traction on social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), with many users congratulating them on the feat.
During the first day of the week-long convocation ceremony on Tuesday, November 11, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, announced that 448 of the 5,900 graduating students of the 2024/2025 academic session obtained First Class degrees across various fields.
This will be the first time in the history of the university that it will produce such a number of First Class graduates.
The first day of the convocation ceremony was meant for Arts, Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Public Health, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Prof Adebowale congratulated the graduands, describing their success as a reflection of discipline, hard work, and perseverance.
He added that the university had prepared them to face global challenges with competence, character, and creativity.
According to him, the institution remains Nigeria’s premier and among Africa’s most prestigious universities.
He said: “The University of Ibadan has trained you to seize future opportunities with confidence and integrity.”
The Vice-Chancellor added that UI’s Postgraduate College, the largest in Africa, continues to produce high-level manpower for national and global development, while the newly established Faculty of Computing positions the institution at the forefront of digital innovation.
Adebowale noted that the spirit of innovation continues to drive UI’s progress and sustain its leading role in higher education.
He highlighted recent achievements by UI’s staff and students in international research, fellowships, and competitions, which, he said, demonstrated the institution’s commitment to excellence and relevance in the modern knowledge economy.
In his keynote address, UK-based Medical Practitioner and alumnus, Abel Adegoke, urged the graduates to embrace resilience, service, and integrity, saying challenges should be seen as stepping stones to personal and professional growth.
“True growth does not come from comfort. Go into the world not as job seekers but as solution creators. The world awaits the light of your brilliance,” he said.
