By DAYO ADESULU
ILISHAN-REMO, Ogun State – Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has challenged graduates of Babcock University’s 15th Postgraduate Convocation to go beyond earning academic qualifications by using their knowledge to transform lives and position Africa as a global hub for innovation.
Speaking at the convocation ceremony held at the university’s Amphitheatre, Governor Abiodun said higher education should not be viewed merely as a pathway to career success but as a platform for solving societal problems and creating lasting impact.
“We gather not merely to confer degrees, but to ensure that we use our education to translate knowledge into lasting impact. Africa stands at a defining moment, and its future depends on our ability to combine intelligence with character,” the governor said.
The governor urged the graduating class to become agents of change by applying their academic training to address real-world challenges across the continent.
According to him, the true value of education lies not in the certificates obtained but in the positive difference graduates make in the lives of others.
“The true measure of greatness lies not in how much graduates know but in how effectively they use that knowledge to uplift humanity. Let your innovation solve real-life problems,” he added.
A total of 665 postgraduate students graduated during the ceremony, comprising 183 PhD graduates, 21 Master of Philosophy (MPhil), 391 Master’s degree recipients and 70 Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) graduates.
The convocation attracted several dignitaries, including Ogun State Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Secretary to the State Government Tokunbo Talabi, senior government officials, captains of industry and other distinguished guests.
The university also honoured outstanding academic performers. Among the award recipients were Idume-David Juliet Efenona, who emerged as the best PGD graduate with a CGPA of 4.84, while Ojelabi Ayotundun Christianah and Osikomaiya Bodunrin Ibitola both recorded a perfect CGPA of 5.0 in the Master’s category. Other awardees included Ogodo Sunday, Segun-Adeniran Chidi Deborah, and Okangba Daniella Chisom for exceptional academic achievements.
Governor Abiodun presented cash prizes to the best graduating students, with the overall best PGD graduate receiving ₦1.5 million, while the best graduates in the MBA and MPhil categories received ₦2 million each. The best PhD graduate was rewarded with ₦2.5 million.
In his remarks, Babcock University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Afolarin Ojewole, reminded the graduates that education extends beyond acquiring knowledge.
He said true scholarship requires integrity, discipline, wisdom and the courage to pursue solutions that benefit society.
“If you cannot project far into the future, you cannot solve the problems of the present,” the Vice-Chancellor said, urging the graduates to become visionary leaders committed to innovation and national development.
Why This Matters
As Africa continues to compete in the global knowledge economy, Governor Abiodun’s message reinforces the need for universities to produce graduates who can drive innovation, create jobs and develop practical solutions to societal challenges rather than merely earning academic credentials.
