The Pan-African University Life and Health Sciences Institute (PAULESI) has issued a powerful call to action to its newest graduating class, challenging them to take direct responsibility for shaping the continent's future. The institute's director, Prof. Mubo Sonibare, delivered this charge, emphasizing that the scholars' advanced training is the key to building "the Africa we want."
A Mandate for Continental Transformation
Speaking on Saturday during the fifth day of the University of Ibadan’s (UI) 77th Convocation ceremonies, Prof. Sonibare left no doubt about the expectations placed upon the graduates. She urged them to return to their home countries not just as alumni, but as innovators, problem-solvers, and champions of Pan-African unity.
She stressed that Africa's progress in critical sectors like health, agriculture, science, technology, and governance hinges on the practical application of the postgraduate training they received. "Your training, funded by the African Union and development partners, is intended to empower you to transform Africa’s health, agricultural and scientific landscape," Sonibare stated. "You must go and fulfil the vision of the Africa we want in 2063."
Fostering Integration and Excellence
The director revealed the scale of the 2025 graduating class, announcing that PAULESI produced 73 Master’s and 33 PhD graduates. The institute, which is hosted by the University of Ibadan for the West Africa region, is designed to be a catalyst for continental progress.
Its fully sponsored programmes are specifically crafted to promote:
- Continental integration
- Multilingualism
- Interdisciplinary research
- Entrepreneurship
"The institute brings together students from diverse African countries to study, research, address local problems and acquire knowledge critical to Africa’s development," she added. The curriculum covers vital fields such as reproductive health, medicinal plant research, vaccine production, plant breeding, sports science, and environmental management.
A Broader Celebration of Postgraduate Excellence
The convocation also served as a platform to celebrate the wider postgraduate achievements of the University of Ibadan. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, announced that the university awarded a total of 124 Postgraduate Diplomas, 22 Master of Philosophy degrees, and 2,963 Master’s degrees—comprising 2,690 academic and 273 professional Master's.
Prof. Adebowale stated that these postgraduate degrees are a public testament to the graduates' competence, research depth, and character. He noted that UI has maintained its leadership in postgraduate education in West Africa, with its rising global ranking reflecting a commitment to innovation, excellence, and international competitiveness.
He further urged the graduates to apply their hard-earned expertise to tackle Nigeria's pressing challenges in health, technology, agriculture, governance, and business. As they step into leadership roles, he advised them to uphold the highest standards of integrity and responsibility.
One of the graduates, Dr. Lekan Ogunlowo, who earned an MBA from the UI School of Business, shared his positive experience. He described the programme as "very rewarding," saying it significantly strengthened his ability to function effectively in the business environment. "Business is guided by principles. Until you master these principles and skills, there are things you may not execute effectively," said Ogunlowo, who is the Chief Medical Director of Zenith Care Hospital in Ibadan. He encouraged prospective students to pursue postgraduate studies to enhance their professional competence and performance.
