Lead City University, Ibadan, has successfully concluded its 18th Convocation Ceremony, a landmark event that doubled as the celebration of the institution's 20th anniversary. The grand finale, held at the Adeline Hall on the university campus, was highlighted by the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on four distinguished Nigerians who have made indelible marks in their respective fields. Leading the list of honorees was the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Rashidi Ladoja, alongside the pioneer President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Hasan Sunmonu. The ceremony drew a high-profile audience of traditional rulers, government officials, and academic elites, underscoring the university's growing influence in the Nigerian educational landscape.
Oba Rashidi Ladoja, a former Governor of Oyo State and a revered custodian of Yoruba tradition, was conferred with the Doctor of Science in Public Administration (Honoris Causa). The university citation extolled his dual legacy as a political administrator and a traditional ruler, noting his significant contributions to the stability and development of Ibadanland. His investiture was described as a recognition of his "exceptional leadership and enduring service to humanity," qualities that align with the university's core values. The monarch's acceptance of the degree further solidifies the bond between the town and the gown, reinforcing the university's commitment to honoring indigenous leadership that fosters community development.
Sharing the stage with the monarch was Comrade Hasan Sunmonu, a titan of the Nigerian labour movement. He was awarded the Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his lifelong struggle for workers' rights and social justice. As the founding President of the NLC and former General Secretary of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU), Sunmonu’s recognition by a private university highlights the importance of intellectualizing labour struggles and acknowledging the role of civil society in national development. His award serves as an inspiration to the graduating class, reminding them of the power of advocacy and principled leadership.
The university also extended its honors to the corporate sector, recognizing two captains of industry for their strides in business and economic development. Mr. Olalekan Bello, the Chairman of FCSL Asset Management Company, and Mr. Olakunle Williams, the President and CEO of Tetracore Energy Group, were both conferred with the Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa). These awards reflect the university’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and economic innovation, signaling to the students that academic success should translate into tangible economic value. Mr. Bello, responding on behalf of the honorees, pledged continued partnership with the institution, urging the new graduates to embrace emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence to remain competitive in the global market.
In his convocation address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kabiru Adeyemo, announced that the university graduated a total of 3,379 students for the 2025 academic session. The breakdown revealed that 2,162 students received their first degrees, while 1,219 were awarded postgraduate degrees. Notably, 290 students distinguished themselves by graduating with First Class honors, a statistic that the Vice-Chancellor cited as proof of the institution's rigorous academic standards. He described the ceremony as a "dual celebration," marking not just the release of new manpower into the economy but also the reflection on twenty years of the university's journey from a nascent institution to a formidable citadel of learning.
The Chancellor of the University, Professor Gabriel Ogunmola, used the occasion to charge the graduands with the responsibility of being "navigators of change." In a world increasingly defined by volatility and uncertainty, he urged them to view challenges as opportunities for growth. His speech emphasized that true leadership is not merely about holding titles but about the capacity to listen, empathize, and connect with people. This message resonated strongly against the backdrop of the honorary awardees, whose lives exemplify the very resilience and service the Chancellor advocated for.
The 20th anniversary of Lead City University provides a moment for critical assessment of private tertiary education in Nigeria. Since its establishment, the university has carved a niche for itself, particularly in professional courses and postgraduate studies. The convocation of such high-ranking traditional and labour leaders suggests a deliberate strategy to position the university as a stakeholder in the broader socio-political discourse of the South West and Nigeria at large. By bridging the gap between the classroom, the palace, and the factory floor, the institution is modeling a holistic approach to education that values diverse forms of societal contribution.
As the ceremony concluded, the focus shifted to the future of the 3,379 graduates who now join the Nigerian workforce. With the admonition of their Vice-Chancellor and the example of the honorees before them, they face the task of navigating a complex economic landscape. However, the recognition of figures like Oba Ladoja and Comrade Sunmonu serves as a lasting reminder that integrity, service, and leadership remain the most valid currencies in the pursuit of a meaningful legacy.
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