The University of Ibadan on Monday celebrated its 77th Foundation Day in a grand ceremony that brought together the nation’s top political leaders, royal figures, and academic icons, including the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, and Chief Bisi Akande, Chairman of the University’s Governing Council.
The event also witnessed the conferment of degrees across all levels, most notably 487 Doctor of Philosophy awards.
In his welcome remarks, Vice-Chancellor Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale extended a warm reception to President Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Sultan of Sokoto, and other distinguished guests.
“I heartily welcome our Visitor, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We wish His Excellency strength, good health and wisdom to continue to guide the nation towards global prominence and prosperity,” he said.
He also commended Governor Makinde for his support of the university over the years.
Professor Adebowale paid tribute to the Chancellor, the Sultan of Sokoto, and other royal fathers, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Ooni of Ife, describing them as “pillars of support” for the university and emphasizing the strong relationship between UI and traditional authorities.
He also lauded the University of Ibadan Governing Council under Chief Bisi Akande, praising the Pro-Chancellor’s selfless gesture of donating all his allowances into an endowment for the best undergraduate students in the sciences.
Acknowledging the efforts of all management staff, Deans, Directors, Heads of Departments, and university employees, the Vice-Chancellor noted that their commitment has kept UI at the forefront of national and global higher education.
Addressing the graduands, he encouraged them to uphold ethical and humane conduct in their respective fields, stating, “You stand today as philosophers, thinkers and solution providers. The society awaits you to solve the multifaceted challenges it presently grapples with.”
He reminded them that the prestige of a UI doctorate comes not only from academic achievement but also from character and moral judgment.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted academic advancements at UI, including the establishment of the Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Computing, and a new Department of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering.
He reported that 57 programmes had been submitted for accreditation, with 54 receiving full approval. New undergraduate programmes in Social Work, Educational Technology, Computer Science Education, and Biomedical Engineering had also been introduced, demonstrating UI’s commitment to global educational standards.
Professor Adebowale noted that the 2026 Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings placed UI as the top university in Nigeria, while the 2026 Times Higher Education Rankings also ranked it number one nationally and within the 801–1000 band globally. Despite these successes, he raised concerns over challenges such as rising electricity costs, poor internet connectivity, and aging infrastructure, appealing for dedicated federal support to address these issues.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, highlighted the significance of the Foundation Day celebrations and reaffirmed the federal government’s continued support for higher education.
“I am filled with admiration for the achievements we commemorate today. UI is a force to reckon with in the global realm,” the President said.
He acknowledged the persistent challenges facing Nigerian universities, particularly inadequate funding, but assured that his administration had taken deliberate steps to minimize disputes with university unions and ensure continued investment in tertiary education.
“We place a high premium on quality education and are firmly committed to providing our youth with the sound education they need to shape the future,” he said, urging unions to collaborate with the government to craft sustainable funding models.
Tinubu also charged the graduands to use their knowledge, character, and creativity to make meaningful contributions to society.
In his address, the Chancellor, His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar III, applauded the graduands for their resilience and dedication.
“This moment marks both an end and a beginning. The choices you make from here will shape your future,” he stated.
“Carry the torch of knowledge and hope. We eagerly await the great contributions you will make to our world,” while the Sultan added,
“I urge all graduands to remain proud ambassadors of UI. Give back to this institution that has given you so much.”
The Sultan also commended Chief Akande for his scholarship initiative and called on stakeholders to support the university’s mission.
“UI is fortunate to have such a selfless leader at the helm of its Governing Council,” he said, highlighting the Pro-Chancellor’s enduring commitment to education.
Chief Bisi Akande, in his speech as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, was notably candid about the bureaucratic challenges confronting Nigerian universities.
He described the over-centralization of administrative approval processes as a hindrance to efficient university management and talent retention.
“Somewhere along the line, universities, including UI, have been misclassified among MDAs and overburdened with bureaucratic oversight inconsistent with their establishment laws,” Akande
The 2025 convocation witnessed the conferment of 5,900 Bachelor’s degrees, 2,690 academic Master’s degrees, 273 professional Master’s degrees, 124 Postgraduate Diplomas, 73 PAULESI Master’s degrees, and 487 Doctor of Philosophy awards, with the Faculty of Education producing the highest number of PhD graduates at 137.
