The 15th Convocation Ceremony of Osun State University, Osogbo, was marked with grandeur and profound reflections as the Pro-Chancellor and Chancellor, Apostle (Dr.) Folorunso Alakija, delivered a deeply inspiring address. The august event drew the presence of dignitaries across political, academic, judicial, and traditional circles, including the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, the Chief Judge, and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu.
In her speech, Apostle Alakija gave glory to God for the privilege of witnessing the 15th convocation, describing it as a day of thanksgiving, achievement, and celebration. She warmly welcomed His Excellency, Senator Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, Governor of Osun State and Visitor to the University, whom she praised for his unwavering commitment to the institution. She recalled with fondness the Governor’s historic visit to him in May 2024, which she described as an indelible demonstration of goodwill.
The Pro-Chancellor highlighted the progress the university had made under the administration of Governor Adeleke, applauding the state government’s support for infrastructural development. She particularly emphasized the role of TETFund in delivering landmark projects, including the commissioning of the iconic Senate Building, a development he described as a milestone achievement.
Apostle Alakija also used the occasion to unveil one of his family’s most significant contributions to the university—a 250-bed modular hospital and medical research facility. She expressed hope that this facility, once commissioned, would transform healthcare training, research, and delivery not only in Nigeria but across Africa. She assured stakeholders that the commissioning date would be announced soon.
Reflecting on the university’s academic strides, the Pro-Chancellor noted the exponential growth in academic programs, which expanded from 36 to 128 within his tenure. She celebrated the remarkable rise in student enrollment from 7,000 to over 34,000, a feat he attributed to the resilience of staff and management, as well as God’s grace.
She further revealed that the university’s scholars had secured 32 national and international research grants in the past decade, a development that has significantly elevated UNIOSUN’s profile in global academic circles. In a moment of pride, he announced that the university’s first set of medical doctors would be graduating and inducted early next year.
Acknowledging the synergy within the university community, Apostle Alakija commended the Governing Council and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Odunayo Clement Adeboye, for their dedication to the university’s goals. She described their leadership as the driving force behind the qualitative growth that the university had experienced.
The Chancellor extended gratitude to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Architect Sonny Echono, for his impactful presence at the convocation. She lauded the agency’s continued investment in educational infrastructure and called for more interventions to support universities in navigating Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
Turning to the university workforce, she hailed the teaching and non-teaching staff for ensuring uninterrupted academic activities during the 2024/2025 session. She credited their hard work and loyalty for the smooth and timely completion of the academic calendar, culminating in the success of the convocation.
Apostle Alakija’s message to the graduating students was filled with faith and wisdom. Quoting Proverbs 3:5–6, she urged them to trust in God for guidance in all their endeavors. She reminded them that while education had equipped them with knowledge and skills, faith in God would secure their future and enable them to make a positive impact on society.
Drawing from Matthew 5:16, she encouraged the graduates to let their lives be a reflection of excellence, integrity, and service, shining as lights in the world. She further charged them to give back to their alma mater as ambassadors of the institution.
She also spoke directly to parents and guardians, thanking them for their sacrifices while encouraging them to continue supporting and praying for their children as they step into new life challenges. She described their role as indispensable in shaping the graduates’ destinies.
The Chancellor made a heartfelt appeal to alumni, industry leaders, and philanthropists to provide scholarships and assistance to students struggling under the current economic climate. She called on captains of industry to invest more in Nigerian universities to help safeguard the future of education.
In a poignant moment, Apostle Alakija announced that the 15th convocation would be her last as Chancellor of Osun State University. She revealed that her tenure, which began in 2015, would end in March 2026 after a fulfilling 10-year service spanning two terms. She expressed gratitude for the privilege to serve and affirmed that she would be leaving the institution stronger than she met it.
She thanked the university community, government, staff, alumni, and students for their support throughout his tenure, stating that their confidence in her had provided the encouragement to fulfill her duties. She ended his speech with a profound reminder: “Always put God first in everything you do, for without Him, we are nothing, and can achieve nothing.”
The ceremony closed on a celebratory note, with Apostle (Dr.) Alakija urging all present to continue building on the foundation of faith, excellence, and service that Osun State University represents. Her farewell remarks left the audience with a sense of pride and hope for the future of the institution.
