Babcock University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olutunde Afolarin Ojewole, has reminded postgraduate graduates that earning a doctorate does not make anyone an authority on every subject, but rather places a greater responsibility on them to contribute meaningfully to society through research, mentorship and ethical leadership.
He made the remark while delivering his address at the university’s 15th Postgraduate Convocation Ceremony held on Tuesday at the institution’s Amphitheatre.
“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.
Reflecting on the significance of the graduates’ academic achievement, Prof. Ojewole said the additional titles they would now bear represent far more than academic success.
“Each hood that will be placed upon your shoulders today represents far more than years spent in classrooms, libraries, laboratories, clinics, studios or in the field. It represents persistence when the journey became demanding. It reflects questions that refused easy answers, long hours of research, moments of uncertainty, and the determination to press on until meaningful contributions emerged,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to its GRACE mandate, describing excellence, integrity, intellectual brilliance, compassion, development and moral leadership as the core values guiding the institution.
He urged the graduands to become professionals whose expertise is matched by character, stressing that society requires more than technical competence.
“Dear graduands, 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. It needs professionals whose private character is consistent with their public reputation. That is the kind of influence you will have.”
He further challenged them to see their qualifications as a foundation rather than a destination.
“As you leave this ceremony, remember that every academic qualification comes with an equal measure of responsibility. 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.”
Delivering the convocation address on the theme, “Breaking New Grounds,” Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, described the graduands as some of the brightest minds of their generation and urged them to combine innovation with integrity as they contribute to national development.
“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.
Governor Abiodun commended Babcock University for promoting academic excellence alongside character development, noting that competence without integrity could be dangerous.
The ceremony also featured the conferment of Babcock University’s Award of Good Governance on Governor Abiodun in recognition of what the institution described as his commitment to transformational leadership.
Among the highlights of the convocation was the award of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees to the former Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor, Dr Oluwatoyin Taiwo, and the Minister of State for Health, Dr Isiaq Kunle Salako, alongside other successful graduands.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Ojewole expressed appreciation to parents, families, mentors and friends for supporting the graduates throughout their academic journeys. He also acknowledged the contributions of faculty members, supervisors, external examiners and principal officers of the university.
“Excellence is never accidental; it is sustained by committed people who refuse to compromise quality,” he said.
The faith-based institution concluded the ceremony with a prayer led by the Vice-Chancellor.
“My dear graduands, as your President and Vice-Chancellor, my prayer is simple. May your knowledge remain useful. May your influence be redemptive. May your scholarship continue to illuminate minds. May you demonstrate discipline when the going gets tough, responsibility where others dodge, and moral courage when tested. And wherever you are found, may people see in you not only the marks of a scholar, but also the character of a Babcock graduate.”
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