L-R: Governor Dapo Abiodun; wife of the President/Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University, Prof. Folusho Ojewole, and the President/Vice Chancellor, Babcock University, Prof. Afolarin Olutunde Ojewole, at the presentation of a Distinguished Leadership and Service award to Governor Abiodun for his outstanding contributions to the advancement of education by Babcock University
GOV BAGS GOOD GOVERNANCE AWARD, REWARDS VARSITY OUTSTANDING GRADUATES
By Nudoiba Ojen
The authorities of Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, on Tuesday honoured Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, with the Award of Good Governance in recognition of his transformational leadership and commitment to good governance.
The President and Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Afolarin Olatunde Oyewole, commended Governor Abiodun for the developmental strides recorded in Ogun State.
The award was conferred on the governor during the Convocation Lecture, with the theme, “Breaking New Grounds,” which he delivered during the 15th postgraduate convocation ceremony for the award of degrees, prices and doctoral hooding at the institution on Tuesday.
Abiodun also on the occasion announced cash rewards for the institution’s best graduating students as part of his support for academic excellence.
He announced cash rewards of ₦1.5m for the overall best Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) student, ₦2m for the best Master’s graduate, ₦2.5m for the best PhD graduate, and ₦2.5m for the overall best undergraduate student.
Speaking on the theme, the governor said universities were not merely centres for acquiring knowledge but institutions that prepared individuals to apply learning for the advancement of humanity.
He challenged Nigerian graduates to deploy the knowledge and skills acquired through their academic pursuits to develop practical solutions to the numerous challenges confronting the country, urging them to combine innovation with integrity as they prepare to shape the nation’s future.
The governor described the graduands as some of the brightest minds of their generation whose scholarship, innovation, leadership, and character would shape the future of Nigeria, Africa, and the wider world.
He said, “Universities occupy a unique place in human civilisation. They do far more than transmit information; they sharpen minds, refine convictions, mould character, and prepare citizens capable of advancing society,” he said.
Abiodun commended Babcock University for consistently demonstrating that education achieved its highest purpose when intellectual excellence is complemented by moral responsibility, stressing that competence without character could become dangerous.
According to him, the true measure of education lies not in what graduates know, but in how they apply that knowledge for the benefit of humanity.
The governor highlighted his administration’s commitment to transforming education in Ogun State, noting that the sector has witnessed unprecedented reforms through the Ogun REHAB Initiative, which has led to the renovation of public schools and improved learning environments across the state.
He added that more than 6,000 teachers have been recruited under the OgunTeach Programme to strengthen teaching and learning in public schools.
According to him, the reforms underscore his administration’s belief that education is not merely a social service but the most strategic investment in the future of the people.
“By combining infrastructure renewal with digital innovation, data-driven planning, teacher empowerment, and strategic partnerships with institutions like Babcock University, we are building an educational ecosystem where knowledge inspires innovation, research drives enterprise, and planning produces globally competitive graduates equipped to lead in a knowledge-based economy,” he said.
Governor Abiodun urged the graduates to embrace innovation without compromising integrity, noting that the future belongs to those who combine technological excellence with ethical leadership.
Describing the convocation as not merely the end of an academic journey but the beginning of a lifelong responsibility, the governor reminded the graduates that while degrees confer honour, character and service ultimately define the value of education.
He reaffirmed that education remains the cornerstone of his administration’s vision for sustainable development, assuring that the state government would continue to invest heavily in the sector because the prosperity of tomorrow depends on the quality of education provided today.
Congratulating the graduating students and the management of Babcock University, Governor Abiodun commended the institution for sustaining its reputation as one of Africa’s foremost faith-based universities, where academic excellence is combined with character development.
He urged the graduates to continue exploring new frontiers in knowledge, leadership, enterprise, and human development, noting that every scientific breakthrough and technological innovation began with the courage to challenge conventional thinking.
While acknowledging the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, and digital innovation, the governor cautioned that technology alone cannot define humanity’s future without sound values and ethical leadership.
Earlier, the President and Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Oyewole, said the institution had continued to contribute significantly to the development of its host community, Ogun State, and Nigeria through human capital development and infrastructural support.
He noted that the university remained committed to producing globally competitive graduates who are solution providers dedicated to serving humanity.
Prof. Oyewole disclosed that the 183 PhD graduates and over 2,000 postgraduate students being celebrated had been equipped with the knowledge, character, skills, and discipline required to make meaningful contributions to society.
While commending Governor Abiodun for the developmental strides recorded in Ogun State, the VC urged students, staff, and graduates to register and participate actively in future elections, stressing that meaningful national development depends on citizens electing competent leaders.
Also honoured at the event were the former Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr Isiaq Kunle Salako, who were among those awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.
