Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, was once again abuzz on Friday, December 12, as the institution hosted the second (2nd) day of its 49th convocation ceremonies. Coming on the heels of Day One, which celebrated graduands from the Faculties of Arts, Education, Social Sciences, Administration, and Law, Day Two continued the atmosphere of jubilation but with heightened excitement as students from science-based and professional faculties took centre stage.
Families and well-wishers arrived at the Oduduwa Amphitheatre from early morning, eager to witness the achievements of their loved ones. The familiar rhythm of academic gowns, marching bands, camera flashes, and proud parents created a lively prelude to the main event. While the program mirrored Day One almost line for line, the energy was distinct, reflecting the university’s focus on technical, scientific, and medical excellence.
The Academic Procession began promptly at 10:00 a.m., with the vice chancellor procession, scholars leading the graduands, followed by Students’ Union officers and members of the Alumni Association.
The ceremony commenced with the national and Great Ife anthems, followed by opening remarks from the Registrar and a compelling convocation address by the Vice-Chancellor, who emphasised innovation, scientific progress, and the impact of OAU’s professional faculties on Nigeria and the world.
The highlight of the morning was the conferment of first degrees in Agriculture, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dentistry, Environmental Design and Management, Pharmacy, Science, Technology, Computing Science and Engineering.
Prize presentations, as expected, drew emotional applause and cheers. In the Faculty of Agriculture, Akinwande Emmanuel Ikeoluwa stood out with CGPA of 4.83, earning multiple prizes, including the Faculty Prize for the graduating Student with the highest CGPA in B. Agric Programmme, The Ali Idowu Prize and the UNIFE AGRIC 84/85 Alumni Prize, Omisakin Oyinkansola Roseline captured attention with nine awards with CGPA of 4.65, while Apata Elizabeth Oyiza, Olubunmi Faith Oluwabukola, Oyedele Ayomide Foluke, and Asiyanbola Aaron Omosile, Akinwande Emmanuella Ikeoluwa, Oegbukwu Trinity Faith, Oguntubo Oluwasewa Dianne, Dosunmu Adewunmi Mutiat, Adeduwon Oyindamola, Adeniyi Anjolaoluwa, Odebunmi Barak Olamide also earned top faculty recognitions.
Excellence in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences was showcased by Adeyehun Yewunde Tumiwa, who was the best graduating student in the faculty of medical sciences, and collected several top prizes. Other notable achievers included Ajibade Tuminise Susanna, Ijaola Modupeola Rhoda, Lasisi Daniel Grace, Okeagbo Mary Omolola, and Samuel Faith Elizabeth.
Environmental Design and Management (EDM) graduates, including the overall best graduating student CGPA in faculty of EDM, Tijani Quadri Olawale with CGPA of 4.84, Ogunniyi Olabisi Olalekan, who graduated with 4.58 CGPA, received 5 top honors alongside Rasheed Aminat Moturayo, Adebayo Islamiyat Adedolapo, Ojo Rhoda Obaloluwa, Odetayo Kehinde Marvellous, Aderemi Olapoju Adejoke, Yusuf Oreoluwa Baliqis, Aderemi Olapeju Adejoke, Joshua, Adedotun Mayowa Omole, Ayomide Victoria Oladepo, Michael Oluwagbeye Olusegun, Oluwatodimu Onaolapo.
Faculty of Pharmacy graduates also impressed, with Soneye Saheed Oladeinde collecting multiple awards like Overall best performance in the Final B. Pharm Degree examination, Professor Festus Audio Oginbona Prize, Francis Omoseyin Ogungbamila prize, and Glaxo-Allenbury Prize. Other high achievers included Salami Rukayat Oyinkanmola, Ayoade Ademola Micheal, Adeleke Maryam Olamide, Akanji Mayowa Deborah, ADEKUNLE Oreoluwa Ololade, Oyenoyi Gbenga Abayomi.
The Faculty of Science was marked by a particularly emotional moment when Ogunjemisin Timilehin Precious, graduating with a CGPA of 5.00 for the final year Examination in the Faculty of Science, but graduated with a CGPA of 4.83, and he received repeated standing ovations while the Vice chancellor ask her parents to join to take a picture together. She was joined by Akingbesote Olamide Ayobami, Muritala Mustaquem Olatunji, Adewumi Aishat Olaide, Ayoade Tosin Ezekiel, Abdullahamid Aishat Bolanle, Osesanmi Joy Oyinlola, Odeloja Boluwatife Osesanmi, Bosesanmi Joy Oyinlola, and many others who showcased the faculty’s academic strength.
The Faculty of Technology brought the day’s prize presentations to a memorable close as the overall best Graduating Student for 2024 came from the Faculty. Amuke Sunday, graduating with CGPAs of 4.90, emerged as stars. Amuke Sunday’s exceptional record earned him the faculty Prize, Nigeria Society of Engineers Prize (Ife Branch), NSE, Ile – Ife/ Engr. Mayen Modupeola Esthiett Adetiba’s Prize, Comfort Olufunke Ponnie Award, for which He was awarded a cheque of one million naira (N1,000,000) for the best students overall graduating department in the Faculty of Technology, while Oladele Loveth Rachael received the award for the best engineering graduating student with 4.74 CGPA and many others. The Faculty of Technology also received ten million naira for providing the Students with the overall best graduating student in the whole university.
Also, for the university prices, Omisakin Oyinkansola Roseline from the Faculty of Agriculture claimed the Alhaji Kabir Usman Prize for the Best overall Student with the highest number of prizes, with 9 prizes. Amuka Sunday from the Faculty of Technology, CGPA 4.90, collected the Tola Olukedide Agent of Change Prize for the final year student in the University with the highest CGPA and The Capital Express Assurance Ltd. Prize as the overall best graduating student in the entire university. While the Chief Mrs Ajibola Adedewe Memorial Prize goes to Adisa Aishat Olayinka from the faculty of Administration with 4.87 CGPA for the best graduating Female student in the University with the highest CGPA.
Reflecting on the first two days of convocation, the university has celebrated a remarkable group of students whose stories highlight resilience, talent, and the enduring spirit of Great Ife. Families, friends, and well-wishers embraced, prayed, and captured memories in the open spaces outside the amphitheatre, rounding off a truly celebratory occasion.