Thomas Adewumi University Celebrates Second Convocation and 142% Growth
Thomas Adewumi University (TAU) in Oko-Irese has powerfully reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality education, fostering innovation, and producing globally competitive graduates during its well-attended 2nd Convocation Ceremony. The event, which took place on November 28, 2025, at the university's auditorium in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, was a significant milestone for the young institution.
Record Growth and Academic Excellence
Addressing the congregation, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francisca Onaolapo Oladipo, highlighted the university's remarkable journey. She announced that TAU, which emerged on April 8, 2021, is living up to its reputation as Nigeria's fastest-growing institution in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine, and Innovation (STEM-i) ecosystem. Professor Oladipo revealed that the university celebrated the graduation of 63 students this year, a staggering 142% increase from the 26 pioneers graduated at its first convocation.
"This 142% increase in our graduating class is a declaration that Thomas Adewumi University has transcended the realm of promise," she stated. The Vice-Chancellor also detailed the institution's impressive rankings: 1st among the 20 private universities licensed in 2021, 4th among the 14 universities in Kwara State, and 50th nationally.
The academic results were equally impressive, with 16 First Class graduates, 40 in the Second Class Upper Division, and 7 in the Second Class Lower Division from four faculties and eleven academic programmes.
Producing Globally Competitive Graduates
A key focus of the ceremony was the university's success in equipping its students for the global stage. Professor Oladipo emphasized that the 63 graduands are not merely degree holders but are "comprehensively prepared global professionals."
Through strategic international partnerships, the graduates have obtained additional micro-credentials and certifications from world-class institutions and organizations, including:
- MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Yale
- Google, Microsoft, and IBM SkillsBuild
- Alison UK and the World Bank’s Saylor Academy
- ICAN and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
These collaborations, including a partnership with Coursera, have provided the students with industry-relevant certifications, particularly in high-demand fields like Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
Convocation Lecture and Goodwill Messages
The event featured a convocation lecture delivered by Dr. Bayo Williams Olugbemi, titled "Crowdfunding Opportunities for Startups: Equipping Nigerian Graduates for a Sustainable Future." Dr. Olugbemi charged the graduands to adopt a mindset of job creation, stating, "Your future is not defined by what Nigeria gives you, but by what you create." He encouraged them to see crowdfunding as a viable tool for overcoming capital barriers and turning ideas into reality.
In a goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, represented by Esther I. Eyo, Esq., commended TAU's management for its resilience. He noted that the university achieved a 100% Full Accreditation status in all programmes assessed during the NUC's 2023 accreditation exercise, calling it a "laudable feat."
The Founder and Chancellor of the university, Dr. (Engr) Johnson Adewumi, urged the new graduates to be good ambassadors of the institution. "Remember that your degree is not an end but a beginning," he advised. "Go forth with courage, humility, and a sense of responsibility."
The ceremony also included the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on two distinguished personalities: Engr Oluseyi Afolabi and Pastor Oladokun Olatunde.
