Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) in Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, has announced plans to confer first degrees on a total of 863 students during its upcoming 16th convocation ceremony. The university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olasebikan Fakolujo, made this disclosure, setting the stage for a significant academic celebration.
A Celebration of Academic Excellence
Professor Fakolujo provided a detailed breakdown of the graduating class. Out of the 863 graduands, a total of 722 are undergraduate students. Notably, among these undergraduates, 57 have achieved the remarkable feat of graduating with first-class honours. The Vice-Chancellor emphasized that the ceremony, scheduled for December 2025, represents more than just an academic milestone.
He described the event as a pivotal moment for positioning a Nigerian university on the global higher education map. According to him, the convocation is a testament to the institution's commitment to its core motto: "For Knowledge and Godly Service."
Notable Achievements Across Disciplines
The university proudly showcased specific examples of outstanding student performance. In the field of law, three JABU graduates—Amedu Martha, Adio Janet, and Adeyeye Adeife—excelled by attaining first-class honours at the Nigerian Law School. Adio Janet distinguished herself further by emerging as the third-best student nationwide in Criminal Litigation and the best female student in that course across the country.
Success stories extended to other professional colleges. The Medical Laboratory Science department recorded a perfect 100% pass rate in its professional examinations. Furthermore, an impressive 87% of nursing graduates from JABU are already employed in healthcare facilities across Nigeria, including in underserved rural communities. Professor Fakolujo highlighted this as the "multiplier effect" of a JABU education, expressing hope that improved economic conditions would encourage these skilled professionals to remain and serve within Nigeria.
Fostering Job Creators and Tackling Brain Drain
Professor Fakolujo stressed that the university's measure of success extends far beyond academic grades. He pointed to significant contributions in community service, entrepreneurship, and healthcare as key indicators of the institution's impact. JABU positions itself as part of the solution to Nigeria's brain drain challenge by cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit among its students.
"Our graduates do not just get jobs; they create them," the Vice-Chancellor stated. He revealed that many alumni have launched successful startups shortly after graduation, thereby becoming employers of labour within Nigeria and contributing to local economic development.
The institution also continues to recognize and reward excellence. Professor Fakolujo recalled that during the previous convocation, the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, awarded a N5 million annual grant to Mary Amachi, a Mass Communication student who graduated with a stellar 4.88 CGPA and was named the best female student in her department.
The 16th convocation of Joseph Ayo Babalola University stands as a robust celebration of both academic rigor and tangible societal contribution. With 863 graduates stepping into the world, including 57 first-class scholars, JABU reaffirms its mission to develop knowledgeable individuals dedicated to service.
