Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the President/Vice-Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Olutunde Afolarin, have challenged graduates of the institution to translate their academic knowledge into practical solutions that address societal challenges, stressing that education must be driven by integrity, innovation and service to humanity.
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The charge was given on Tuesday during Babcock University’s 15th Postgraduate Convocation Ceremony held at the institution’s Amphitheatre in Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State.
Delivering the convocation lecture titled “Breaking New Grounds,” Governor Abiodun urged the graduands to move beyond the pursuit of certificates and deploy their knowledge to tackle Nigeria’s socio-economic problems.
“Universities occupy a unique place in human civilisation. They do far more than transmit information; they sharpen minds, refine convictions, mould character and prepare citizens capable of advancing society,” the governor said.
He commended Babcock University for combining academic excellence with character development, noting that competence without integrity could be dangerous.
According to him, the true value of education lies not merely in acquiring knowledge but in applying it to improve lives and transform society.
Abiodun also highlighted his administration’s education reforms, including the renovation of public schools under the Ogun REHAB Initiative and the recruitment of more than 6,000 teachers through the OgunTeach Programme, describing education as a strategic investment in the state’s future.
In his address, Babcock University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Afolarin, echoed the governor’s position, reminding the graduands that academic qualifications come with a responsibility to continue learning and contributing meaningful solutions to humanity.
“A doctorate does not make anyone an authority on everything. Rather, it places upon you a greater responsibility—to continue asking tough questions, to pursue solutions to society’s challenges, to mentor younger scholars, and to ensure that your scholarship remains relevant to humanity. If you cannot project far into the future, you cannot solve the problems of the present,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor urged the graduates to become professionals known not only for their expertise but also for integrity, credibility and compassion.
“Society needs more than experts. It needs trustworthy experts. It needs researchers whose findings are credible. It needs educators who inspire rather than merely instruct. It needs healthcare professionals who combine competence with compassion. It needs leaders who serve before they seek recognition,” he added.
Reflecting on the significance of the academic milestone, Afolarin said every academic hood conferred at the ceremony symbolises perseverance, rigorous research and the determination to make meaningful contributions to society.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to its GRACE philosophy of excellence, integrity, intellectual brilliance, compassion, development and moral leadership, saying those values remain central to producing globally competitive graduates.
The Vice-Chancellor further reminded the graduands that while degrees create opportunities, performance and character ultimately define success.
“Your degree is only a potential. Your performance is what really matters. Wherever your journey takes you, let your work speak with excellence, let your relationships reflect humility, and let your decisions be guided by wisdom,” he said.
The ceremony also featured the conferment of Babcock University’s Award of Good Governance on Governor Abiodun in recognition of his leadership.
A total of 183 PhD graduates and more than 2,000 postgraduate students graduated during the ceremony, while former Ogun State Chief of Staff, Dr Oluwatoyin Taiwo, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr Isiaq Kunle Salako, were among those awarded Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
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