Akpabio to Deliver OAU’s 49th Convocation Lecture

The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has been announced as the keynote speaker for the 49th Convocation Lecture of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, made this known on Thursday during a press briefing at the university’s Senate Building, noting that Akpabio—also a former two-term governor of Akwa Ibom State—is widely regarded for his contributions to scholarship and national development.

Speaking on the convocation figures, Bamire revealed that 6,454 students will graduate across various faculties and programmes.

Of the 5,084 first-degree recipients,

• 217 earned First Class Honours,
• 2,077 graduated with Second Class Upper Division,
• 2,173 finished with Second Class Lower Division,
• 33 obtained Pass degrees.

He added that 1,074 students will be awarded postgraduate degrees, while 54 candidates will receive undergraduate diplomas.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the convocation lecture—delivered by Chief Godswill Akpabio, GCON—will highlight national issues and reflect the university’s tradition of engaging distinguished leaders.

The ceremony will also feature academic awards and recognition of notable personalities, including the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, alongside other institutional honours. All events are scheduled to hold at the University Amphitheatre and Oduduwa Hall.

“For 2025, we are releasing into the world a remarkable cohort of graduates—thousands of bright minds shaped by rigorous scholarship, mentorship, and hard work,” Bamire stated.