Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, will on Saturday graduate 1,064 students from its various colleges, marking the institution’s 20th convocation ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jonathan Babalola, announced this on Wednesday during a press conference to herald the event.
He said the graduands had been developed intellectually, socially, and morally in line with the university’s vision of raising godly leaders. According to him, ‘the graduands have been nurtured intellectually, socially, and morally in line with the university vision of raising godly leaders who combine character with competence, adding that their journey through the university reflects resilience, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence, the values that define the Bowen brand.’
Professor Babalola noted that 143 students earned First Class Honours, 394 students obtained Second Class Honours (Upper Division), 221 graduates finished with Second Class Honours (Lower Division), 69 students made Third Class, and 5 students graduated with a Pass.
He added that 18 candidates are completing Postgraduate Diplomas, 26 will receive Master’s degrees, and 9 scholars will earn Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees.
The Vice Chancellor described the convocation as more than a ceremony, saying, ‘Bowen University convocation is not merely a ceremony of certificates. It is a celebration of dreams realized, futures ignited, and excellence sustained.’
He also emphasized the institution’s commitment to research and capacity building among its staff.
‘The graduation of 1,064 students at this 20th Convocation Ceremony brings the total number of Bowen University alumni to an impressive 18,734 since the inaugural convocation in 2006, which produced 383 pioneering graduands. This remarkable growth reflects Bowen’s steady pursuit of academic excellence and character formation. We remain unwavering in our commitment to this legacy of raising men and women of integrity, competence, and purpose, who continue to distinguish themselves across diverse fields and bring enduring honour to Bowen.’
Other highlights of the 20th convocation include the conferment of honorary degrees on three distinguished Nigerians who have contributed significantly to national development.
They are Deacon ‘Wole Abegunde, former Group Managing Director of Meristem Securities Limited and immediate past Pro-Chancellor of Bowen University, who will receive a Doctor of
Business Administration (Honoris Causa).
Dr. Adebukola Omotoso Abiola, Founder and CEO of Preston Healthcare, USA, will receive a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa), while Captain Edward Boyo, founder and CEO of Overland Airways and Landover Company Limited, will be honoured with a Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa).
Professor Babalola urged the government to strengthen the role of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in maintaining order in tertiary admissions. He also called for support for private universities through government intervention funds such as TetFund and NELFUND.
As part of activities marking the convocation, Professor Emerita Ekanem Ikpi Braide, OFR, a renowned scientist, will deliver the convocation lecture on Friday, October 31, 2025.