Fifty three students graduated with first class degrees in various disciplines, including the Faculties of Arts, Science, Clinical Science and Public Health in the University of Ibadan (UI).No fewer than 2,362 graduated from the institution today at the 67th Foundation Day and Convocation 2015 held at the International Conference Centre in Ibadan.
The Ag. Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Emilolorun Ayelari, said that 494 had Second Class (Upper Division), 822 secured Second Class (Lower Division), 185 had Third Class, 40 in the Pass category, 177 from unclassified degrees and 48 diplomas.
He said that the 53 first class graduates had become UI scholars, adding that the university would bear the cost of their studies up till their doctorate (PhD) degrees.
Ayelari urged the graduands to be good ambassadors of the institution wherever they find themselves.
Responding on behalf of the graduands, Ms Ejemenare Daodu, from the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, said they had come a long way but thanked God that they had succeeded.
“It was not all rosy. We experienced many challenges. There were times for laughter and times of despair.
“All the challenges we faced have shaped us into intellectuals that we are today,” she said.
Daodu, who secured the highest number of awards at the ceremony, urged the students of the institution to be fully prepared for the task.
She called on the management of the institution to embrace the digital world that is growing fast.
“I look forward to a day when Nigerian students will on admission know the date they will graduate.
“What I mean is an educational system devoid of incessant industrial strikes,” she said.
Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, who graduated from the Faculty of Law, said he was glad he succeeded, despite the his responsibilities.
Ayelari presented the incoming Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Idowu Olayinka, to the audience.
He would assume duty on December 1. [myad]
