The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta has inducted 113 graduating students of its Department of Computer Science into the computing profession, with a charge on the new professionals to embrace innovation, uphold ethical standards and leverage emerging technologies to drive national development.
The induction, conducted by the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria during the university’s 11th CPN Induction Ceremony for the 2025/2026 graduating class, was held at the Postgraduate School Auditorium on July 28.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of FUNAAB, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, urged the graduates to position themselves for opportunities in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, Data Science and the Internet of Things.
Represented by the Dean, College of Engineering, Prof. Adedayo Badejo, the Vice-Chancellor described the induction as a significant transition from academic life to professional practice.
Speaking on the theme, “Stepping into the Universe from the University,” Kehinde said Information and Communication Technology remained central to Nigeria’s socio-economic development, stressing that professionalism, integrity, innovation and continuous learning would distinguish successful computing professionals.
The Acting Head of the Department of Computer Science, Dr Thomas Ibharalu, said the department had witnessed remarkable growth since its establishment in 1988 under the Department of Mathematical Sciences.
He noted that the department had evolved into one of the university’s largest academic units and welcomed the recent establishment of the College of Computing Sciences, alongside the approval of six new computing-related degree programmes by the University Senate and the National Universities Commission.
Ibharalu urged the graduating students to maintain high ethical standards, embrace innovation—particularly in Artificial Intelligence—and deploy their skills to solve societal challenges.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, Prof. Williams Onifade, described graduation as the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning and professional development.
He said technical competence alone would not guarantee success, emphasising that integrity, resilience, adaptability, leadership and ethical conduct were equally essential for sustained career growth.
Onifade encouraged the graduates to apply Artificial Intelligence responsibly, remain globally competitive while addressing local challenges, and build lasting legacies through meaningful contributions to society.
The Registrar and Secretary of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, represented by Mr Komolafe Akinyemi, urged the newly inducted graduates to become entrepreneurs and job creators rather than job seekers.
He also warned them against cybercrime and other unethical practices, explaining that their induction as graduate members marked the first step towards attaining chartered membership of the council.
Akinyemi disclosed that the Federal Government had created a professional Information Technology cadre, describing the development as a major milestone for the computing profession.
Earlier, the Dean of the College of Computing Sciences, Prof. Oluwasefunmi Arogundade, challenged the graduates to transform their knowledge into practical innovations capable of contributing to national development and global peace.
The ceremony featured the administration of the professional oath by CPN officials, formally admitting the 113 graduates into the computing profession.
The graduating class also presented gifts to the Department of Computer Science, while Jolaoso Jephthah was honoured as the Overall Best Graduating Student.
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