Lead City University marked a milestone at its 18th convocation ceremony as 290 students graduated with first-class honours, highlighting the institution’s consistent academic growth over its 20-year history.

A total of 3,379 graduands participated in the ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session, including 2,162 first-degree recipients and 1,219 graduates of higher degrees across various disciplines.

The Olubadan of Ibadan land, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, commended the university for its “phenomenal development and growth” and lauded the management, staff, and students for positioning the institution as a leading private university in Nigeria. The monarch was also conferred with an honorary Doctor of Science in Public Administration (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his contributions to public service and leadership.

Other honorary degree recipients included:

• Comrade Hassan Adebayo Sunmonu, former President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) – Doctor of Science in Public Administration
• Mr. Olalekan Bello, Chairman of FCSL Asset Management – Doctor of Business Administration
• Mr. Olakunle Williams, CEO of Tetracore Energy Group – Doctor of Business Administration

Mr. Bello described Lead City University as “a citadel of learning whose vision and pursuit of excellence continue to illuminate the educational landscape of Nigeria,” encouraging the institution to maintain its commitment to innovation and quality teaching.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kabiru Adeyemo, in his convocation address, celebrated the resilience, discipline, and intellectual achievements of the graduands. He noted that the ceremony also marked the university’s 20th anniversary, reflecting two decades of contributions in teaching, research, and community service.

Prof. Adeyemo highlighted the university’s efforts to enhance academic and administrative quality, including sponsoring 120 academic staff and 23 administrative personnel to attend local and international conferences, workshops, and training programs. He further disclosed plans to seek National Universities Commission (NUC) approval for new academic programs across multiple faculties to meet national development needs.

“This convocation reaffirms Lead City University’s resolve to produce graduates equipped with knowledge, character, and skills to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.