Thomas Adewumi University (TAU), Oko-Irese has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening quality education, innovation, and globally competitive learning during its 2nd Convocation Ceremony.
By Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin
Thomas Adewumi University (TAU), Oko-Irese has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening quality education, innovation, and globally competitive learning during its 2nd Convocation Ceremony.
Speaking at the convocation ceremony held at the institution’s auditorium, in Oko-Irese, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Francisca Onaolapo Oladipo said TAU is living up ranking as fastest growing institution in Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine, and Innovation (STEM-i) ecosystem by surpassing more than 100 percent in its number of graduating students at the second convocation.
“TAU emerged on April 8, 2021, as Nigeria’s fastest-growing Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine
and Innovations (STEM-i) ecosystem. Today, we rank 1st among the 20 private universities that were licensed in 2021, 4th among the 14 universities in Kwara, 5th among Nigeria’s over 170 private universities and 50th nationally, an impressive rise reflecting our unwavering commitment to excellence.
”What a Moment of Extraordinary Significance today, we stand at a crossroads far more significant than words can adequately capture. Exactly one year ago, we gathered at this very auditorium to celebrate our inaugural convocation, a ceremony that marked the graduation of 26 pioneering students who dared to believe in a vision when others saw only impossibility. Those 26 trailblazers proved that Thomas Adewumi University was not just a dream, but a reality rooted in excellence. Today, as we honour 63 outstanding graduates, we witness something far more profound than numerical growth.
“This 142% increase in our graduating class is not merely a statistic to be recorded in annual reports, it is a declaration that Thomas Adewumi University has transcended the realm of promise and entered the domain of proof.
“We have moved from potential to performance, from aspiration to achievement, from vision to velocity.
This year, 63 graduands from 4 Faculties and 11 academic programmes are being conferred. It is noteworthy that we have 16 First Class graduates, 40 in Second Class Upper Division, and 7 in Second Class Lower Division. These results reflect the quality of training and mentorship provided at Thomas Adewumi University, and we are proud to contribute these innovators to both the Nigerian and global workforce, confident that they will make a meaningful impact.
”Preparing Globally Competitive Graduates, these 63 graduands are not merely degree holders, they are comprehensively prepared global professionals equipped with exceptional advantages that set them apart from their peers nationwide.
Through our international partnerships, these graduates have obtained additional microcredentials from MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, Berkeley, and Yale, world-class certifications from Alison, UK, RUDN professional University, Russia, World Bank’s Saylor Academy, Google, ICAN, and the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development initiatives in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.
“Our Coursera collaboration provided them with additional industry certifications, while partnerships with Microsoft, IBM SkillsBuild, and MIT OpenCourseWare through our Global Campus initiative democratize access to cutting-edge knowledge. They are thus fully equipped to embark on meaningful and innovative careers in today’s technology-driven world.”
The VC also speaks on the newly established school of postgraduate education said “Our establishment of the School of Postgraduate Studies, approved by the National Universities Commission to offer 27 postgraduate programs, represents the maturation of Thomas Adewumi University from an undergraduate institution to a comprehensive university offering education at every level.
“These 27 programs span: Postgraduate Diplomas for specialized professional training, Master of Business Administration (MBA) and specialized Master of Science (M.Sc.) programs for advanced professional development, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs for those who will push the boundaries of knowledge through research.
“Students can now pursue continuous academic advancement from their first degree through to the highest academic
qualification without leaving TAU. This is the hallmark of a mature, comprehensive university.
On awarding of maiden Honorary Doctorate Degree to the duo of Engr. Oluseyi Afolabi, MNSE, FNSChE: Doctor of Engineering (Honoris Causa) Principal Consultant and Chief Executive Officer of Reservoir and Facilities Solutions Nigeria Limited and Pastor Oladokun Olatunde: Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) Chairman of SEAP Holdings Limited, the VC said they were carefully picked because of their significant contribution to society in their various sectors.
“Engr. Afolabi has dedicated her brilliance, expertise, and unwavering commitment to solving some of the most complex engineering challenges facing Nigeria’s petroleum industry. she has not merely pursued a career, she has built a legacy. Mentored countless young engineers, sharing not just technical knowledge but instilling in them the values of excellence, integrity, and national service, and demonstrated that Nigerian engineers can deliver world-class solutions without dependence on foreign expertise.”
“While SEAP Holdings Limited, under Pastor Olatunde’s leadership, has become more than a business conglomerate, it has become a vehicle for economic empowerment, job creation, and community development across Nigeria. Through diverse business interests spanning multiple sectors, Pastor Olatunde has created opportunities for thousands of Nigerians, transforming lives, lifting families from poverty, and contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth. But what truly distinguishes Pastor Olatunde, what moves this institution to honour him today, is his understanding that true success is measured not merely by what you accumulate, but by what you contribute.
His philanthropic initiatives in education, his support for youth development programs, his investments in community
infrastructure, and his mentorship of young entrepreneurs demonstrate a man who has internalized a profound
truth.”
Earlier in his convocation lecture, titled “Crowdfunding Opportunities forstartups: Equiping Nigerian graduates for a sustainable future” Dr. Bayo Williams Olugbemi charged the graduads on the mindset of job creation said “as a graduate, your future is not defined by what Nigeria gives you, but by what you create. The idea of crowdfunding is the idea of hope. It is proof that when people come together, ideas once impossible become achievable.
“I urge you not to think only about searching for jobs. Instead, think about creating value, and if capital is a barrier, remember: “The crowd can be your first investor.”
Also in his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the National University Commission, Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, represented by Esther I. Eyo, Esq commended the resilience of TAU management said “NUC acknowledges TAU sustained progress in advancing quality teaching, impactful research, innovation, and community engagement, all of which align with our national aspiration for a globally competitive and knowledge-driven university system.
“It would interest you to know that, in the accreditation exercise conducted in 2023, Thomas Adewumi University achieved a 100% Full Accreditation status across all programmes assessed a laudable feat that reflects the University’s strong commitment to maintaining high academic standards.”
Also in his goodwill message to the graduating students the Founder/Chancellor of the institution, Dr. (Engr) Johnson Adewumi urged them to be a good ambassador of the university said “remember that your degree is not an end but a beginning, go forth with courage, humility, and a sense of responsibility. Strive to illuminate whatever space you occupy with the light of integrity, excellence and service.