The Vice Chancellor of Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Prof. Olasebikan Fakolujo, has commended the institution’s Chancellor, Pastor (Prof.) Anthony Adegbulugbe, for his sustained commitment to rewarding hard work and academic excellence.
Speaking at the university’s 16th convocation ceremony, Prof. Fakolujo noted that Prof. Adegbulugbe began the tradition of significant cash awards at the 15th convocation in 2024, when he donated over ₦17.25 million to outstanding graduands.
According to him, “One million naira was awarded to the overall best graduating student, ₦500,000 to each first-class graduate, and ₦250,000 to best students in selected programmes who did not attain First Class Honours.”
The Vice Chancellor added that more than ₦40 million had been committed to rewarding excellence in 2024 and 2025, with ₦24 million earmarked for this year’s ceremony alone.
“For this generosity and many more, the university is deeply grateful to our Chancellor for continually encouraging our students to strive for excellence,” he said.
Prof. Fakolujo also expressed appreciation to other benefactors, particularly the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her landmark ₦50 million endowment for the best female graduate of the institution, producing an annual award of ₦5 million “in perpetuity”.
In his sermon, the President of Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria and Overseas, Pastor Samuel Oladele, urged the graduands to anchor their future on God.
“Prioritise God in all that you do. Your degree is not just a reward for hard work but a divine responsibility to make a positive impact,” he charged.
Also addressing the gathering, the Chancellor, Prof. Adegbulugbe, encouraged the graduands to uphold faith, integrity, competence and service to humanity.
“Excellence commands respect. Let your character be your strongest credential,” he said. He further assured that the Chancellor’s Cash Awards would remain a continuous exercise to strengthen JABU’s culture of merit.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of prizes to distinguished graduands, including the Best Graduating Female Student, Blessing Temitope Agboola.
A total of 871 students—729 first-degree and 142 postgraduate graduands—received their certificates at the ceremony.
