The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Kayode Adebowale, has urged graduating students to channel creativity, determination, and ethical knowledge toward solving national challenges and driving development.

Adebowale gave the charge on Thursday during the third day of the university’s 2025 convocation ceremonies held at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan.

Commending the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management for sustaining the institution’s legacy of innovation, he disclosed that 45 students earned First Class Honours – 43 from Education and two from Environmental Design and Management.

He praised the dedication of academic and non-teaching staff for shaping the graduates through mentorship and service, saying, “Today, we gather not only to confer degrees but to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, resilience, and growth.

“You have been forged in the crucible of rigorous scholarship and critical thinking, in the legacy of Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Ayo Adebanjo, and countless scholars who built this great institution.”

Addressing graduates of the Faculty of Education, the VC described them as “architects of the future,” entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and citizens.

He also charged graduates of Environmental Design and Management to be “architects of solutions, not just buildings,” urging them to address the nation’s housing deficit and promote sustainable community development through creative design.

“Don’t allow challenges to overwhelm you,” Adebowale said. “Be creative, enterprising, and savvy. Don’t be afraid but be determined. Let the knowledge you have acquired here be your tool; let sound judgment guide you. Be ethical, innovative, and compassionate in all your undertakings, and make UI proud.”

The convocation lecture, titled “The 21st Century Graduate: Digging Out the Gold in You,” was delivered by Dr. Charles Akinsete, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English and a 2006 First Class graduate of the university.

Akinsete urged the graduates to embrace discipline, patience, and emotional intelligence as they navigate life after school.

“Don’t go to sleep. New challenges will arise, but UI has prepared you for them. You will meet difficult people and situations that will test your resolve. See good in every situation and don’t forget your alma mater. You are cast in gold, but you must dig out that gold through hard work,” he said.