On Friday, during a pre-convocation press briefing for the 49th convocation ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), scheduled for 10-13 December, the Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Adebayo Bamire, announced that 217 students will graduate with first-class honors.
The VC further announced that Senate President Godswill Akapabio will deliver the convocation lecture, noting that, on Friday, December 12, a prestigious award would be presented to the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while the grand finale of the event would include the conferment of postgraduate degrees.
Prof. Bamire stated that the institution will confer 5,084 classified degrees, which include 217 first-class, 2,077 second-class upper, 2,173 second-class lower, 583 third-class, and 33 pass degrees, adding that 296 unclassified degrees will also be awarded, along with 215 Doctor of Philosophy degrees, 797 master’s degrees, 62 postgraduate diplomas, and 54 undergraduate diplomas.
He emphasized that during the occasion, the institution will ensure the implementation of a robust security plan in partnership with both internal and external security agencies.
He said, “In keeping with our tradition of excellence, the ceremonies will span four (4) days, beginning officially on Wednesday, the 10th day of December, 2025, and will climax on Saturday, the 13th day of December, 2025.
“Some of the activities lined up for the event will include the Convocation Lecture, which will be delivered by a distinguished national figure, a two-term Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, and the current President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, who is renowned for scholarship and statesmanship.
“Also, the occasion will be marked by Academic Awards. Recognition of Distinguished individuals and other institutional activities. All activities will take place at the University’s Amphitheatre and Oduduwa Hall.
“On Wednesday, the first day of the ceremony, there will be the Award of Certificates, while the Conferment of First Degrees in the Faculties of Administration, Arts, Education, Law, and Social Sciences will be held on Thursday.
“On Friday, graduating students in the Faculties of Agriculture, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dentistry, Environmental Design and Management, Pharmacy, Science and Technology will have their respective Degrees conferred on them. This day will also witness the conferment of a Distinguished Award to the Honorable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
“The grand finale comes up on Saturday with the Award of Postgraduate Degrees – Master's, M.Phil.and Ph.D., representing the pinnacle of intellectual exploration. The Conferment of Honorary Degrees on individuals whose footprints enrich the soil of national and global progress will also hold that same day.”