...Olowu, Yusuf Ali, Bolaji bag Honorary Doctorates As Ebiti Becomes Pro-Chancellor
Ayomide Awe
Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has graduated 1,008 students at its 18th convocation ceremony, producing its first 16 Doctor of Philosophy degree holders since the institution’s establishment.
The ceremony, held at the university’s main auditorium on Saturday, also featured the investiture of Dr Rafiu Ebiti as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, alongside the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on three prominent Nigerians.
Among those honoured were the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola; renowned legal practitioner, Prof Yusuf Ali (SAN); and Dr Lukman Bolaji, in recognition of their respective contributions.
The graduation of the university’s first 16 PhD holders marked a significant milestone in its postgraduate academic development, with the graduates drawn from the Departments of Accounting, Biochemistry, Computer Science and Mass Communication.
Speaking at the event, the Proprietor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prince Ma’ruf Ajibola (SAN), reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to its founding philosophy of offering the best in academic and moral education.
He said the university had continued to improve its infrastructure and facilities to meet global standards, while appreciating stakeholders for their sustained support towards the institution’s growth.
Ajibola reiterated that Crescent University remained committed to the vision of its founder, the late Prince Bola Ajibola (SAN), a former Attorney-General of the Federation and judge of the International Court of Justice, to produce graduates equipped with sound academic knowledge and strong moral values.
Established in 2005, the Islamic faith-based private university has continued to position itself as an institution focused on academic excellence, character development and the production of graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, said the university was adapting to emerging technological trends and developments in digital education through investments in modern teaching, learning and research facilities.
He disclosed that the institution had established a state-of-the-art Knowledge Laboratory, alongside other facilities designed to strengthen academic delivery and improve students’ learning experiences.
Gbajabiamila stressed that the university remained committed to combining academic excellence with character development across its various disciplines.
Giving a breakdown of the graduating students, the Vice-Chancellor said 897 students obtained first degrees, while the remaining graduates comprised postgraduate degree and diploma recipients.
Of the undergraduate graduands, 99 made First Class honours, 439 obtained Second Class Upper Division, while 289 finished with Second Class Lower Division.
Another 64 students graduated with Third Class degrees, while six obtained Pass degrees.
At the postgraduate level, 79 students earned master’s degrees, six completed Master of Business Administration programmes, seven obtained Master of Arts degrees, while three received Postgraduate Diplomas.
The Vice-Chancellor said the 16 PhD graduates represented the institution’s first doctoral graduates from the four departments.
Meanwhile, Ashimi Adedamola of the Department of Mass Communication emerged as the overall best graduating student for the 2026 academic session.
The convocation also featured the award of diplomas, certificates, prizes and other academic distinctions to deserving students.
The event attracted traditional rulers, parents, members of the university community and representatives of neighbouring universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, among other dignitaries.
The ceremony underscored the university’s efforts to expand its academic profile, strengthen postgraduate education and sustain its emphasis on producing graduates with both intellectual competence and moral discipline.
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