The University of Ibadan Vice Chancellor (VC), Prof. Kayode Adebowale, and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Managing Partner of Afe Babalola & Co, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, yesterday, charged the graduating students of the institution to use their acquired skills to navigate, innovate, and lead the world.

Adebowale and Ogunwumiju made the call during Day One of the convocation ceremonies of the institution held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Meanwhile, Miss Oluwatunmise Abisoye Adeyemi, daughter of The Guardian Politics Editor, Muyiwa Adeyemi, was among the 418 graduating students who bagged First Class honours.

Adeyemi graduated from the Faculty of Law. The VC tasked the 6,664 graduates of the institution with making positive impacts through their talents, passion and unique perspectives.

Adebowale, while lauding the graduates on the feat achieved through resilience, creativity and perseverance, urged them to use their skills, knowledge and values that have been developed. He said they would be faced with complexities, uncertainties, and challenges as they continue in their life’s journey.

“You are joining a global network of alumni, united by a shared experience and commitment to excellence.

“Stay connected, support one another, and inspire others. You now belong to a global community,” Adebowale said. He said that the UI had continued to produce globally competitive graduates despite the array of challenges and threats that the institution faces.

Ogunwumiju charged the graduands to embrace the principle of gratitude capable of enabling them to succeed in life. He explained how the culture of gratitude helped him in harnessing human and other resources around him, which enabled him to achieve his goals in record time.

The valedictorian, Usman Oyekan, appreciated the institution, parents and guardians for their contributions towards achieving their academic feat despite setbacks such as the COVID-19 pandemic and unions’ strikes.

MEANWHILE, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday, called for a synergy between security agencies, governance, and citizens, saying that the relationship is fundamental to the nation’s stability, development and prosperity.

Egbetokun made the call during the 2024 convocation lecture and 76th Day Foundation anniversary of the University of Ibadan, which took place at the Trenchard Hall of the institution.

The IGP spoke on the theme: “Unlocking Progress: The Indispensable Trio of Security, Governance, and Citizens’ Responsibilities”. Earlier, the VC also stressed the need for collaborations between security agencies, government institutions, and civil society organisations. He said security remained the bedrock on which the progress of the society could be made.