Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, weekend, graduated 3,521 students, with 306 earning First Class honours across its various schools.
In a related development, the institution honoured the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with the Leadership and Service Award in recognition of his outstanding performance and excellence in governance in Lagos State, during the varsity’s 24th Undergraduate Convocation Ceremony.
The university also named Miss Oluwapelumi Amosu of the Veronica Adeleke School of Social Sciences as its overall best graduating student after she attained an outstanding Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 4.96.
In recognition of her exceptional academic performance and contributions to leadership, community development and spiritual service, Amosu received the President and Senior Vice President’s prize, alongside several awards.
She was also presented with cash prizes, including N10 million from the Sunbeth Excellence Partnership Program (SEPP).
In his commencement speech titled, Break New Grounds’, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged the graduating class to embrace faith, resilience and adaptability as they prepare for life beyond the university.
He stressed the world rewards competence, value and perseverance rather than entitlement.
He stated that the Nova Class of 2026, were stepping into a new chapter filled with opportunities and responsibilities.
According to him, while the university has provided them with a solid academic foundation, it is now their responsibility to build on it and distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive global environment.
“The world will not give you what you believe you deserve. The world will only give you what you become known for being,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu recalled his own graduation nearly four decades ago, saying that when he left the university in 1988, the world was vastly different, with no internet, mobile phones, or virtual work opportunities.
He noted that today’s graduates enjoy unprecedented access to information and technology, urging them not to squander the advantages available to their generation.
“You have the world at your fingertips. You have access to information that was unimaginable in our time. Make the best use of it and do not waste the opportunities before you,” he advised.
Sanwo-Olu encouraged the graduates to embrace uncertainty with courage, noting that no one has complete certainty about the future before taking the next step.
Drawing inspiration from the bible, he reminded the graduates that faith remains essential in navigating life’s uncertainties, urging them to forget past setbacks and press forward towards their goals.
The governor also shared personal experiences of failed business ventures after leaving university, saying he had attempted several entrepreneurial ventures that did not succeed, including an idea to establish a plumbing services company years before mobile technology made such businesses viable.
He explained that although the venture failed because the enabling technology did not exist at the time, the experience taught him valuable lessons about innovation, timing and resilience.
“The more you try and fail, the more you build the capacity to succeed. Failure is never the end; sometimes it is preparing you for something greater,” he said.
He urged the graduates not to be discouraged by temporary setbacks but to remain patient, adaptable and hopeful as they navigate their careers and personal lives.
Sanwo-Olu charged the graduates to continue learning, embrace change and position themselves to take advantage of opportunities presented by technology and the evolving global economy.
“As you leave this familiar environment for the unknown world ahead, carry with you courage, faith, resilience and a commitment to lifelong learning. These will remain your greatest assets,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the President/Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, reaffirmed its commitment to positioning itself among globally competitive institutions by prioritising research excellence, innovation and industry-relevant education.
He stated that the university’s inclusion in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) world university rankings represents a significant milestone in its quest for global relevance.
According to him, the university progressed from reporter status in 2024, to unranked in 2025, before earning a place in the 1501+ band in 2026, making it one of the world’s ranked universities.
He added that Babcock is now ranked joint 11th among Nigeria’s 24 ranked universities, reflecting its growing visibility on the global higher education landscape.
Ojewole stressed that universities must adapt to the rapidly changing world driven by Artificial Intelligence, technological innovation and evolving labour market demands.
“Our world is changing at an extraordinary pace. Universities can no longer afford to prepare students merely for today’s realities; they must prepare them for opportunities and challenges that have not yet emerged,” he said.
To the graduands, the VC stated: “you are the reason we exist. Every classroom we build, every laboratory we equip, every policy we formulate and every investment we make, is ultimately about preparing you to become competent professionals, principles leaders and responsible global citizens.”
Funmi Ogundare
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