It was a day of celebration and recognition of excellence on Saturday as Crescent University, Abeokuta, conferred degrees on 718 students, including 69 first-class graduates, during its 17th convocation ceremony.
The event, held at the Bola Ajibola Auditorium on the university campus, also witnessed the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on three eminent Nigerians — former Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Johnson Kokumo; the President of Crescent Schools, Prof. Ahmed Bin Salawudeen; and business mogul, Agbaoye Orikolade Kola Karim — in recognition of their contributions to national development and humanity.
Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, disclosed that the total of 718 graduates included the first set of Nursing Science students, while 117 students bagged Master’s degrees across various disciplines for the 2024/2025 academic session.
“It is our desire to continue expanding our academic activities both horizontally and vertically,” Prof. Gbajabiamila said.
“We do not compromise quality; therefore, priority is given to ensuring the high standard of our programmes leading to full accreditation. We shall continue in international best practices, thereby making our university 21st-century compliant in all ramifications.”
He added that all academic programmes in the institution — including Law, Computer Science, Mass Communication, Nursing, Political Science, and Business Administration — had secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The Vice-Chancellor charged the graduating students to face the future with resilience and confidence.
“Your degree certificates are like life jackets,” he told them. “You must use them to stay afloat above the tides of life’s challenges.”
The Proprietor and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the University, Prince Muhammed Adesegun Ajibola, SAN, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to sustainable growth through infrastructural expansion, improved welfare, and energy diversification.
He said the management had continued to invest in hostel facilities, transportation, aesthetics, sanitation, and campus security.
“Our ambition in the short to medium term is to have an institution that is least impacted by the dysfunctions of the larger society,” Ajibola said.
“We have diversified the sources of water and electricity for our growing community. Our solar power programme is on course, and we hope to make a success of it by the grace of God.”
Ajibola also announced the revival of several university ventures aimed at boosting internally generated revenue and providing affordable services to the campus community.
“Ventures that were comatose have been reactivated,” he said. “We’ve invested in fisheries, Adire (tie and dye), and bakery businesses. These will not only strengthen our revenue base but also serve the needs of our students and staff.”
He appealed for partnership and support from public and private stakeholders, expressing optimism that the university would experience greater expansion in the coming year.
Chancellor of the University and former Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, commended the institution’s steady growth and academic excellence, describing Crescent University as a shining example among private universities in Nigeria.
He applauded the Proprietor for sustaining the legacy of the founder, Late Prince Bola Ajibola, SAN, whom he described as a visionary leader committed to knowledge-driven development.
“Crescent University continues to produce quality graduates contributing to health, media, and other vital sectors of our economy,” Gambari said. “Our Nursing programme, for example, has achieved a 100 percent pass rate six times in a row in professional examinations conducted by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.”
He also highlighted notable achievements by the students, including those who secured prestigious jobs with the BBC and won national essay competitions.
However, Gambari lamented the rising cost of maintaining private universities, particularly the burden of electricity bills and infrastructure costs.
“Our monthly electricity bill, which used to be around ₦1 million two years ago, is now over ₦20 million,” he revealed. “This is in addition to the cost of providing security, water supply, internet, and other essential services.”
He therefore called on the Federal Government to extend the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to private universities to ensure their sustainability.
“It is the responsibility of the government to ensure private universities survive for the good of the society,” Gambari said. “Private institutions should be eligible for competitive research grants and other forms of support.”
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to outstanding graduates, including Habeeb Ganiyu, who emerged the Best Graduating Student from the Bola Ajibola College of Law after winning several national and international prizes.
The university also celebrated its achievements in producing graduates who have excelled globally, including those employed by the BBC, Central Bank of Nigeria, and Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
The colourful ceremony was attended by dignitaries from academia, government, and the private sector, marking another milestone in Crescent University’s two-decade journey as a leading private institution in Nigeria.
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