The Lead City University, Ibadan, on Wednesday honoured the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, with an honorary doctorate degree, recognising his lifelong contributions to leadership and public service.
The ceremony, held at Adeline Hall during the university’s 18th convocation and 20th anniversary celebration, also saw a former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Hassan Sunmonu, receive a Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa).
Olubadan, who received the Doctor of Science, Public Administration (Honoris Causa), the recognition marked yet another acknowledgement of his decades of influence in governance and traditional leadership. Sunmonu’s award also underscored his unwavering commitment to labour rights and workers’ welfare.
Also honoured were Mr. Olalekan Bello; Chairman of FCSL Asset Management Company, and Mr. Olakunle Williams; CEO of Tetracore Energy Group. Both recipients of the Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa).
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Adeyemo, announced the graduation of 3,379 students, including 290 who earned first-class honours. He said the convocation was not only a celebration of academic success but a reflection of the university’s 20-year journey of growth, innovation and impact.
Adeyemo highlighted major investments by the institution, including over N200m channelled into staff development, training and conference sponsorships, which he said had strengthened teaching quality and global competitiveness.
He urged the new graduates to embrace integrity, excellence and emerging digital skills, and to position themselves as job creators and nation-builders.
The Chancellor, Prof. Gabriel Ogunmola, expressed gratitude to parents and guardians whose sacrifices carried the graduating students to the finish line.
Responding on behalf of the honourees, Mr. Bello thanked the university for the recognition and described Lead City University as a “true citadel of excellence.” He encouraged the graduands to leverage Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies to stay relevant in a fast-changing world.
The event, which coincided with Lead City University’s 20th anniversary, doubled as a moment of reflection on the institution’s achievements in academic development, research, and community service.
For many of the students and their families, the day was not just about certificates but about the years of sacrifice, resilience and hope that brought them to this milestone.
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