University of Ibadan renews commitment to postgraduate studies

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole, has restated the commitment of the University to the strategic goal of focusing more on postgraduate studies, stating that the institution has the professional and academic personnel that would make the feat achievable.

Speaking at the congregation for the award of postgraduate diplomas and degrees of masters as part of the activities celebrating the 2014 Convocation and Foundation Day Ceremonies of the University, Prof. Adewole explained that, with 341 professors, 118 readers, 346 senior lecturers and 768 lecturers and assistant lecturers, the premier institution continues to be the flagship of postgraduate education in Nigeria, committed to the training of high quality lecturers needed in other tertiary institutions.

At the event which took place in Prof. Oritsejolomi Thomas Hall, International Conference Centre of the institution, the VC said the 5,959 candidates awarded the higher degrees of masters and diplomas attested to the continued confidence and trust candidates had in the ivory tower.

He maintained that the graduands awarded the certificates had been trained, examined and convincingly found to be worthy in character and in learning.

Prof Adewole reassured that the vision of the premier University which is anchored on the pursuit of the national goals of development through knowledge creation and dissemination, with a view to promoting national transformation is still vigorously pursued by the management of the institution.

He said: "the realisation of this vision is reflected in our commitment to the continous development of teaching, learning and research efforts that would provide the required skills for internalising the learning process and to serve as catalyst for the political, social and economic development of the nation."

Prof. Adewole also used the occasion to reel out the institution's many accomplishments in academic and sustainable capacity since the beginning of the session alone.

Also, he highlighted various newly mounted programmes/courses which have attracted massive acceptability by applicants. These include Academic Masters Degree in Research and Public Policy, Programme in Gerontology, Academic Master of Science (M.Sc.) programme in Public Health, among others.

Felicitating with the higher degrees' graduands on what he described as "landmark achievements in their academic endeavours" he expressed the hope that the graduands would make their own outstanding contributions towards tackling the problems that fester in the centenary of the nation's amalgamation.

"Having obtained a postgraduate degree, you are properly positioned to face the challenges of transforming the society through acquired knowledge and competencies. I urge you all to be good ambassadors of this University in whatever capacity you find yourselves. I also charge you to endeavour to drive the growth of our national economy with your energy and creativity.

"More importantly, may I implore you to always remember the University of Ibadan in all that you do, and contribute to its development. The University has invested heavily in you; you should also give back when you are able to do so", the VC charged the new graduands.

He, however, lamented that although, the acceptability and popularity of the new and existing postgraduate programmes of the premier University attracted well over 16, 000 applications during the 2013/2014 academic session, only 6, 139 qualified candidates were admitted.

At the occasion, 5, 959 graduands were awarded their higher degree certificates from the institution's thirteen faculties and centres. The figure comprises 46 graduands for the M. Phil; 123 for the Master's in Public Health; 4,467 academic masters degrees; 1313 professional masters degrees and 153 candidates for postgraduate diplomas.