UI Graduates Urged to Become ‘Solution Creators’ at 77th Convocation

Graduating students of the University of Ibadan (UI) have been encouraged to pursue lives of purpose, resilience, and innovation as they step into the next phase of their journey. The charge was given by the commencement speaker, Dr. Abel Adegoke, a UK-based physician and alumnus of Nigeria’s premier university.

Dr. Adegoke — a GP Principal, Senior/Executive Partner, and Primary Care Cardiovascular Physician at Hamilton Medical Centre in Birkenhead, Wirral — delivered the keynote address during UI’s 77th Convocation Ceremony held on Tuesday.

In his address, Dr. Adegoke praised the Class of 2025 for completing their studies in what he described as one of the most challenging periods in recent academic history. From global health crises to economic instability and repeated academic disruptions, he said the graduates demonstrated uncommon determination.

“Today is a celebration of your resilience,” he told them. “You survived unstable networks during online classes, you endured strikes and interruptions — yet you remained steadfast. That is victory.”

He shared a personal story from his days as a medical student at UI in the 1980s, recalling how losing his entire paediatrics logbook forced him to redo a full year of academic work. That setback, he said, strengthened his understanding of perseverance and shaped his career.

“Resilience is forged at the very moment you feel stretched beyond your limits,” he said. “It is not about avoiding challenges but choosing to rise each time life pushes you down.”

Dr. Adegoke called on the graduates to rethink what success means, urging them to prioritise impact over titles.

“The world does not need more people chasing success; it needs people committed to being useful,” he said. “Do not step out merely as job seekers — become creators of solutions.”

He further advised them to “dream with your eyes open,” noting the rapidly evolving global landscape influenced by artificial intelligence, climate change, and geopolitical uncertainty. He encouraged them to remain adaptable, continuously learn, and boldly embrace failure as a tool for growth.

Closing his remarks, Dr. Adegoke reminded the graduates of their heritage: “Never forget that you have been thoroughly molded — ‘cooked well’ — as products of the University of Ibadan, the first and the best.”