Fifty-three graduates from University of Ibadan (UI) out of a total of 2,362 made First Class degrees on Friday in Ibadan.
The First Class graduates emerged from the institution’s Faculties of Arts, Science, Clinical Science and Public Health.
Prof. Emilolorun Ayelari, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of UI, disclosed this excellence at the 67th Foundation Day and Convocation 2015 held at the International Conference Centre in Ibadan.
NAN reports that 14 of the 53 First Class graduates were from the Faculty of Arts, 32 from Faculty of Science, one each from Clinical Science, Public Health, Distance Learning and four from affiliate institutions.
Ayelari said 494 had Second Class (Upper Division), 822 secured Second Class (Lower Division), 185 had Third Class, 40 in the Pass category, 177 from unclassified degrees and 48 diplomas.
He said the 53 First Class graduates have become UI scholars, and the university would bear the cost of their studies up till their doctorate (PhD) degrees.
Ayelari urged the graduates to be good ambassadors of the institution wherever they find themselves.
Responding on behalf of the graduates, Ms Ejemenare Daodu from the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, said they have come a long way but thanked God that they have succeeded.
“It was not all rosy. We experienced many challenges. There were times for laughter and times of despair.
“All the challenges we faced have shaped us into intellectuals that we are today,’’ she said.
Daodu, who secured the highest number of awards at the ceremony, urged the students of the institution to be fully prepared for the task.
She called on the management of the institution to embrace the digital world that is growing fast.
“I look forward to a day when Nigerian students will on admission know the date they will graduate.
“What I mean is an educational system devoid of incessant industrial strikes,’’ she said.
Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, former deputy governor of Oyo State, who graduated from the Faculty of Law, said he was glad he succeeded, despite his responsibilities.
Ayelari presented the incoming Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, to the audience.
He would assume duty on Dec. 1.
-NAN
