The 23rd convocation of Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, Ogun State, held on Sunday, produced 3,568 graduates from various disciplines, out of which 243 made first class.

Further breakdown shows that 2,543 are earning their first degrees while 686 are postgraduates, consisting of 217 PhD, 30 Mphil, 359 Master’s degrees and 80 Post Graduate Diploma.

Lawal Oyiza, a graduate of Economics with a CGPA of 4.97, emerged as the overall best graduating student

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Ademola Tayo, who is also taking his bow in November after 10 years of leadership at the institution, has, however, urged the graduands to be committed to a life of selfless service to humanity.

Tayo said that the years of rigorous studies at the university are not only tailored towards sharpening the knowledge of the graduands and equipping them for academic excellence, but it has also helped to build in them a strong character and resilient spirit that come in handy in navigating life’s uncertain paths.

The Vice Chancellor has therefore told the graduands to go into the world and make a difference, offering to be problem solvers and adding value to efforts to make the world a better place.

The VC said, “Dear graduates, you have responsibilities to Nigeria and the whole world. I encourage you to set aside your iPod, iPad and iPhones for a while and focus on your fellow human beings.

“Use the knowledge you have gained at Babcock creatively and generously to make a worthy difference

“Be a volunteer to your community, be an active voice for peace and justice, be a champion for tolerance and understanding. Seek to selflessly serve and be served.

“Humble yourself before God, prayerfully aligning yourself to decrease for God to be increased in your life. Never take the opportunity to serve for granted.

“I bid you farewell, and I wish you the very best as you face the future with hope and courage that it deserves.

“Never forget that the true test of your education is in the life you lead after this day. Let your knowledge serve justice.

“Let your talents solve problems. Let your values inspire hope. Be fearless, Be kind. Be Babcock.”

Tayo said in the last 10 years through data-driven policies, and collaborative governance, his leadership at the university has institutionalised a culture of innovation, accountability, and integrity which are the hallmarks of sustainable leadership in the 21st century.

The VC listed the achievements of his administration to include massive infrastructural development across the institution, commencement and accreditation of new courses in the schools of Engineering and Environmental Sciences, while both the lecturers and the products of the university have continued to impact the world for good, flying higher the university’s flags of excellence and service.

Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a diplomat from Zimbabwe in his special charge to the graduands, urged them to deploy the knowledge acquired at the university to push for world peace and help cut down on violence across Africa and the world.