The 15th Convocation Ceremony of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo, held with grandeur and deep reflection as the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye, delivered a stirring address that captured the triumphs, challenges, and aspirations of the institution. The event brought together eminent personalities, state officials, philanthropists, university staff, students, and proud families of graduands.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Adebooye extended heartfelt gratitude to the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who had canceled an international trip in order to be physically present at the ceremony. He described the Governor’s consistent support as a major catalyst for the university’s progress, noting that his interventions and commitments have been “the lubricant keeping the engine of governance of this university running smoothly.”
The Vice-Chancellor also showered encomiums on the Chancellor of the institution, Apostle Dr. Folorunso Alakija, Africa’s richest woman and a renowned philanthropist. He highlighted her extraordinary dedication to UNIOSUN, recalling how she personally adjusted her travel plans to attend the ceremony and how her family’s generosity had greatly impacted medical research and the training of students in the College of Health Sciences.
Prof. Adebooye was visibly moved when he mentioned that he would miss his weekly interactions with the Chancellor once her tenure ends in March 2026. He humorously reminded the gathering that his own tenure as Vice-Chancellor would also end shortly afterward, underscoring the temporal but impactful nature of leadership. He thanked her for her continuous sacrifices, including her road trip from Lagos to Osogbo to grace the occasion.
The address also recognized the contributions of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), represented at the convocation by Architect Babatunde Olajide on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Architect Sonny Echono. The VC celebrated TETFund for funding landmark projects, including an iconic university building completed within 30 months and several other projects within 18 months. He assured the body of the institution’s commitment to accountability and excellence in project delivery.
Further appreciation was directed at the university’s Governing Council, chaired by the Chancellor, whose leadership, according to Adebooye, has been pivotal in ensuring the smooth academic and administrative growth of the institution. He also acknowledged the collective sacrifices of the university community, including academic and non-academic staff, students, and the indigenes of Osun State, all of whom continue to support the institution’s vision.
Prof. Adebooye provided an update on the university’s academic milestones. Since assuming office in January 2022, he revealed that the institution had grown from 65 to 128 bachelor’s degree programmes, expanded its faculties from nine to 14, and significantly increased its student population from 12,400 to 34,000 in just four years. He attributed this rapid progress to God’s grace, the dedication of staff, and the adoption of digital systems across academic and administrative operations.
The Vice-Chancellor proudly announced that a total of 2,851 students graduated this year, comprising 2,505 undergraduates and 346 postgraduate students. Out of these, 49 achieved first-class honours, while 62 earned Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. He emphasized that these results affirm the university’s reputation as a producer of world-class graduates equipped in both learning and character.
However, the address was not without moments of grief and reflection. Prof. Adebooye recalled the thunderstorm of March 21, 2025, which damaged 13 university buildings and injured eight students. He also recounted the tragic accident of March 23, 2025, near Ikire, where five promising students lost their lives in a fatal collision. Their names were solemnly read out, and condolences extended to their grieving families, while prayers were offered for their eternal rest.
He noted that the institution had received overwhelming support from the state government, federal authorities, professional unions, banks, and well-meaning Nigerians during those trying times. “It was a big disaster, but the resilience of our university community and the solidarity of our partners helped us to recover quickly,” he said.
Turning to the graduating students, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated them on completing their academic journeys, likening their transformation to raw materials refined into valuable finished products. He declared them ready to face the world as public servants, entrepreneurs, technocrats, and innovators. He charged them to uphold the values of UNIOSUN and to give back to their alma mater in the years ahead.
In a deeply motivational tone, Prof. Adebooye reminded the graduates that life beyond university would come with challenges and expectations from both family and society. He urged them to build resilience, maintain strong mental health, and never allow the “swords of life” to push them into depression or trauma.
He advised them to seize opportunities, live peaceably with others, and apply the critical thinking and problem-solving skills acquired at the university. “The next one to five years will be very crucial in laying the foundation of your success,” he stressed, encouraging them to remain disciplined, visionary, and appreciative of both divine providence and human relationships.
Prof. Adebooye ended his address on a note of hope and prayer, wishing the graduates divine guidance in navigating the complexities of post-degree life. He urged them to update their “navigators of life” with lessons learned from experiences and to keep building on the foundation laid during their time at UNIOSUN.
The 15th Convocation of Osun State University thus stood not only as a celebration of academic excellence but also as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life, the importance of resilience, and the shared responsibility of sustaining institutional growth.
