The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Professor Oluwatoyin Ashiru, has announced significant strides in partnerships, innovation, and infrastructure development, as he delivered his address at the institution’s 35th Convocation Ceremony held in Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State.
Speaking on behalf of the Governing Council, management, staff, and students, Professor Ashiru welcomed dignitaries, parents, guardians, alumni, and graduates, describing the convocation as a celebration of resilience, excellence, and collective progress.
He revealed that the university had deepened its national and international engagements through the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (IDICE) programme and its membership in the global network of Rotary Peace Centres. According to him, these collaborations reaffirm OOU’s commitment to innovation, peacebuilding, and global citizenship.
Professor Ashiru further disclosed that several landmark projects were commissioned during the year under review. These include a state-of-the-art Trauma Centre valued at over ₦2 billion, donated by Asiwaju Sulaiman Adebayo Adegunwa; the Oba Otudeko Administrative Building; the Olufemi Okenla Entrepreneur Centre; and the Social Paediatrics Complex. He noted that the projects are not merely physical structures but instruments of impact aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery, administration, and entrepreneurship within the university.
In addition, the Pro-Chancellor announced the signing of agreements to establish a Professorial Chair in Ophthalmology and an International Institute of Eye Health, facilitated by the generosity of Otunba Dr Kunle Hassan. He said the development underscores the university’s dedication to advancing medical research and specialized training.
Professor Ashiru commended the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Agboola, alongside the management team, Senate, and staff, for what he described as unprecedented progress recorded in the past year, attributing the achievements to teamwork, discipline, and a shared vision.
Addressing parents and guardians, he acknowledged their sacrifices in supporting students’ education, adding that such investments had yielded positive outcomes reflected in the graduates being celebrated.
He also highlighted improvements in governance, deepened industry alignment, expanded research capacity, and upgraded infrastructure, stressing that OOU remains driven by the belief that universities must go beyond theory to solving real-world problems.
On professional development, the Pro-Chancellor announced that OOU engineering graduates were inducted into the Nigerian Society of Engineers, with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) administering the Oath of Pupils Engineers. He added that graduates in Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences were also formally inducted into their respective professional bodies.
Professor Ashiru concluded by welcoming all guests to Ago-Iwoye and congratulating the graduating students, whom he described as the true stars of the day, while reaffirming the Governing Council’s unwavering support for the continued growth and excellence of the university.
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