Get Guardian on GoogleThe Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Peter Olapegba, and the Chief Executive Officer of Edutech Portal Solutions, Mr. Folajimi Fakoya, have urged graduates of the institution to pursue professional success without compromising their health, personal relationships and integrity.
They gave the advice on Friday in Ibadan during the third day of the university’s 78th Convocation and Graduation Ceremonies.
Fakoya, who delivered the commencement address, cautioned the graduates against allowing career ambitions to undermine their personal wellness, relationships and ethical values.
He said genuine success went beyond professional accomplishments and material achievements to encompass personal well-being, meaningful relationships and responsible conduct.
“Balance your ambition with personal wellness, integrity and humility, because pursuing success at the expense of your health and relationships would not amount to real success,” he said.
Fakoya urged the graduates to build purposeful relationships, respect their mentors, maintain cordial relationships with their peers and support younger generations.
He also urged them to embrace lifelong learning, noting that graduation marked the beginning of a continuous process of acquiring knowledge, adapting to changing circumstances and remaining relevant in society.
According to him, success depends not only on what individuals know but also on their ability to apply knowledge and experience to create solutions and drive innovation.
On artificial intelligence (AI), Fakoya described the technology as a powerful tool for accelerating tasks and enhancing human intelligence but cautioned that it could not replace human judgment, character and responsibility.
Also speaking, Olapegba urged the graduates to uphold integrity, pursue continuous learning and deploy their knowledge and skills towards addressing societal challenges.
The vice-chancellor reiterated the university’s position as Nigeria’s highest-ranked institution and the fourth-highest-ranked in Africa, according to recent global rankings.
He appreciated parents, guardians, sponsors and members of the university’s academic and non-academic staff for their contributions to the institution’s achievements.
Earlier, the valedictorian, Ms. Ibidunni Ogunbowale, of the Department of Early Childhood, urged her colleagues to remain resilient, committed to excellence, and focused on personal growth.
