Lead City varsity confers honorary doctorates on Olubadan, others

The Lead City University, Ibadan, has conferred honorary doctorate degrees on the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, and a former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Hassan Sunmonu.

The honours were bestowed on Wednesday during the finale of the university’s 18th convocation, held at Adeline Hall.

The Olubadan received the Doctor of Science, Public Administration (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his contributions to leadership and public service, while Sunmonu was conferred with the Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa).

Also honoured were the Chairman of FCSL Asset Management Company, Mr Olalekan Bello, who received the Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa), and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Tetracore Energy Group, Mr Olakunle Williams, who was awarded the Doctor of Business Administration.

The tradition of awarding honorary degrees is a long-standing practice in Nigerian universities, used to recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to national development, public service, industry, labour leadership, philanthropy or scholarship.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Kabiru Adeyemo, announced that 3,379 students graduated in the 2025 convocation.

He said, “2,162 out of the graduands were awarded first degrees, while 1,219 received higher degrees. An impressive 290 students graduated with first-class honours.”

Adeyemo said the honorary degrees were conferred on the recipients in recognition of their exceptional achievements, exemplary leadership and enduring contributions to society.

He noted that this year’s convocation coincided with the university’s 20th anniversary, describing the event as “an opportunity not only to celebrate the accomplishments of its students but also to reflect on two decades of academic excellence, innovation, scholarship, and the realisation of the aspirations of generations of students.”

He said the ceremony represented the culmination of years of diligence, perseverance and intellectual development by the graduands, whose success was supported by their families, mentors, and the wider university community.

The vice-chancellor described it as a dual celebration: “honouring the Enterprise Class of 2025 as they take their place in the world, and acknowledging the remarkable progress Lead City University has made over twenty years in shaping individuals who contribute meaningfully to society.”

He highlighted significant investments by the institution, disclosing that over N200m had been committed to staff training, workshops, professional development programmes, and sponsorships for national and international conferences. According to him, these investments have raised the quality of teaching and administration and strengthened the capacity of staff to compete globally.

Adeyemo urged the graduands to uphold integrity, pursue excellence, embrace service, and equip themselves with emerging digital skills and innovative mindsets.

He encouraged them to become employers rather than job seekers, champion peace, justice and nation-building, and contribute meaningfully to global development, adding that their education had prepared them for such responsibilities.

Earlier, the Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Gabriel Ogunmola, thanked the parents, guardians and families of the graduands for their unwavering support, sacrifice and commitment, which ensured the successful completion of their academic journeys.

Responding on behalf of the honourees, Bello thanked the institution for the recognition and described Lead City University as a true citadel of academic excellence. He pledged continued partnership and support.

Bello encouraged the graduating students to embrace Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies, strive for excellence and equip themselves adequately for future challenges.

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Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State and the current Olubadan of Ibadanland, is widely regarded for his political experience, public service record and influence within traditional leadership circles.

Similarly, Hassan Sunmonu, the pioneer president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, is celebrated for his long-standing role in labour activism and workers’ rights advocacy.

The university’s 2025 convocation coincided with its 20th anniversary, making this year’s event particularly significant.

The ceremony not only celebrated thousands of graduating students but also highlighted the institution’s two decades of investments in academic programmes, staff development, research and community engagement.

Honorary doctorate awards at such milestones often serve to strengthen institutional visibility, deepen partnerships and reinforce the university’s commitment to recognising national icons whose work aligns with its values and long-term vision for educational leadership.