Babcock University, a private Nigerian institution located in Ilisan Remo, Ogun State, recently celebrated its 23rd convocation ceremony, a momentous occasion marking the culmination of years of academic pursuit for 3,568 graduates. Among this impressive cohort, 243 students achieved the prestigious distinction of first-class honors, a testament to their dedication and academic prowess. The graduating class comprised 2,543 individuals receiving their first degrees and 686 postgraduate scholars, further demonstrating the university’s commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities. The postgraduate contingent included 217 doctoral candidates, 30 MPhil recipients, 359 Master’s degree holders, and 80 Post Graduate Diploma earners. The ceremony highlighted the achievements of Lawal Oyiza, a graduate of Economics, who earned the esteemed title of overall best graduating student with an exceptional CGPA of 4.97.
Presiding over the ceremony was Professor Ademola Tayo, the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, marking the end of his decade-long tenure at Babcock University. In his valedictory address, Professor Tayo emphasized the transformative power of education, extending beyond academic excellence to encompass character development and the cultivation of resilience. He highlighted the institution’s commitment to equipping students not only with knowledge but also with the fortitude to navigate life’s complexities. Professor Tayo urged the graduating class to embrace a life of service, emphasizing their responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society. He encouraged them to utilize their acquired knowledge and skills to address societal challenges and become agents of positive change in Nigeria and the world.
Professor Tayo’s message to the graduates centered around the concept of selfless service and the importance of making a tangible impact on the world. He challenged them to look beyond personal pursuits and focus on contributing to the betterment of humanity. He encouraged them to actively participate in their communities, advocate for peace and justice, and promote tolerance and understanding. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized the significance of humility and service, urging the graduates to approach their future endeavors with a spirit of selflessness. He reminded them that the true measure of their education lies in the positive impact they make on the world, advocating for justice, solving problems, and inspiring hope.
Reflecting on his decade of leadership, Professor Tayo underscored the transformative changes implemented during his tenure. He highlighted the institution’s adoption of data-driven policies and collaborative governance, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and integrity. These principles, he argued, form the bedrock of sustainable leadership in the 21st century. Among the notable achievements under his leadership were significant infrastructural developments across the campus, the introduction and accreditation of new courses in the Schools of Engineering and Environmental Sciences, and the continued impact of both faculty and alumni on the global stage, further elevating the university’s reputation for excellence and service.
The convocation ceremony also featured a special address by Dr. Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a diplomat from Zimbabwe. Dr. Tagwirei’s message resonated with the Vice-Chancellor’s call to service, urging the graduates to leverage their education in the pursuit of global peace. He specifically emphasized the importance of mitigating violence across Africa and the world, highlighting the critical role educated individuals play in fostering peaceful coexistence and resolving conflicts. Dr. Tagwirei’s address underscored the global interconnectedness of today’s world and the responsibility of graduates to contribute to a more peaceful and harmonious future.
The 23rd convocation of Babcock University marked not just the end of an academic journey for its graduates but also the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities to serve and contribute to the betterment of society. The graduating class, equipped with knowledge, skills, and a strong foundation in character and resilience, stands poised to make a significant impact on the world, upholding the values of excellence and service instilled by their alma mater. The event served as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education and its potential to shape a brighter future for individuals, communities, and the world at large.
