The Great Hall of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, was filled with celebration and pride on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, as the institution marked its 17th Convocation Ceremony alongside the 35th Founder’s Day Anniversary.
A total of 11,528 students graduated, with 8,102 of them receiving Bachelor’s degrees across various faculties and disciplines. By 8:30 a.m., graduands had already begun queuing at the venue. The event kicked off with the traditional academic procession—starting with graduating students, followed by Heads of Departments, Deans, Directors, and members of the university senate.
The formal programme commenced at a few minutes past 11 a.m. with the renditions of the Nigerian National Anthem, the Oyo State Anthem, and the LAUTECH Anthem.
Declaring the event open, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Razaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu, welcomed dignitaries, parents, and guests to the convocation, expressing his appreciation for their support.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to this grand finale of our convocation activities,” he said. “Today, we celebrate not just the award of degrees, but also the 35th Founder’s Day of our great institution.”
Professor Kalilu announced that 2,086 graduates finished with Second Class Upper degrees, 3,494 with Second Class Lower, 756 with Third Class, and 12 earned Pass degrees.
He charged the new graduates to remain focused and resilient as they enter the next phase of life, reminding them that their journey is just beginning.
Highlighting some recent milestones, Kalilu noted that LAUTECH continues to advance its global presence through research and academic collaborations. The university has partnered with institutions such as the University of Kentucky and the University of Utah (USA), as well as the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Bayer Foundation (Germany), which led to the establishment of the Humboldt Research Hub for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases at LAUTECH.
“In research, our scholars are making significant breakthroughs,” he said. “Twenty-three of our researchers recently secured funding from TETFund for Institution-Based Research.”
Kalilu also mentioned LAUTECH’s participation in the 11th All-Africa University Games (FASU), where the institution ranked 11th out of 69 universities, winning 4 Gold, 1 Silver, and 5 Bronze medals.
Additionally, LAUTECH retained its position as the best state university in Nigeria according to the 2025 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
The Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Pro-Chancellor, and the entire Governing Council for their unwavering support.
In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Ayodeji Oludare Omole, also addressed the gathering.
“This university began 35 years ago, and this marks the fifth year of sole ownership by Oyo State,” he said. “When this council assumed office, we promised that convocation ceremonies would become an annual tradition—and we have kept that promise.”
He announced the renewal of the Governing Council’s tenure for another four years by Governor Makinde, praising the administration’s efforts, especially in the growth of the Iseyin-based College of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources.
He concluded with an inspiring quote by Richard Branson: “Whatever happens, have a good time. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; for if you don’t make mistakes, you haven’t done anything.”
As the ceremony progressed, Deans of each faculty presented their respective graduands to the Vice Chancellor, who officially conferred degrees upon them.
Dr. J.A. Adepoju, Dean of Students, later announced award recipients across faculties. Some of the honours included the FundLAUTECH Award, Hon. Shina Abiola Award, Engr. Sikiru Adetona Owonikoko Award, Bayo Adeyinka Award, Mr. Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe Award, May Philanthropic Foundation Award, the Oludare Akande Award, and the Alumni Association Award, among others.
The event drew to a close at exactly 1:00 p.m. after the Vice Chancellor, Professor Razaq Olatunde Rom Kalilu, officially declared the convocation ceremony closed. This was followed by the recitation of the LAUTECH Anthem, the Oyo State Anthem, and the Nigerian National Anthem. The principal officer then led the recessional procession as dignitaries, faculty, guests, and graduands marched out of the hall.
