Identical twins, Judith Agu and Juliet Agu of the Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agronomy, are among the 233 First Class graduates produced by the University of Ibadan (UI).
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, made this known on Tuesday at the second day of the Foundation Day and Convocation Ceremonies at the International Conference Centre of the university.
Adebowale urged the graduands to be worthy ambassadors of the institution by making a positive impact.
“These times have crucial messages for all of us.
“For us as university administrators, we have continued to ask and answer the question, how do we rejig and restructure administration in a way to lighten students’ burdens, ensure maximum productivity and absorb the shocks of disruptions?
“For students and the graduands, one lesson of this season that must not be lost on you is the power and desirability of resilience.
“As you step into life after school, situations will arise that will require you to call up your ability to exercise resilience, instead of giving in and giving up.
“Living and thriving, more often than not, is carved for only those who hope for an open door and prepare to deal with a closed door, if that is what they find.
“Today, as you graduate, the Ibadan certificate will be awarded to those of you who have been found worthy in character and learning. Character and learning are the two wings with which graduates of our esteemed university fly.
“I have no doubts that all of you present here have passed through the university and you have also allowed the great University of Ibadan to pass through you.”
In a lecture, Dr Kingsley Obiora, the Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), lauded management of the institution for ensuring that the institution continues to improve and evolve.
Obiora said the economic challenges facing Nigeria and the global economy included inflation, food crises and looming global recession, adding that they also provide opportunities that could be harnessed.
He advised the graduands to shape their future and harness the opportunities that this time presented.
“To all those graduating today, I commend the hard work that you exercised to get to this point.
“It is a wonderful achievement to complete your degree and today, you deserve to celebrate this feat,” Obiora said.
