By Emma Nnadozie

The Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has commended the remarkable growth and development of Lead City University in its 20 years of existence.

Speaking during the institution’s 18th Convocation Ceremony and the conferment of honorary degrees held during the week, Oba Ladoja praised the university’s management for what he described as its outstanding efforts in positioning the institution at the forefront of private university education in Nigeria.

Oba Ladoja was awarded the Doctor of Science in Public Administration (Honoris Causa), alongside a former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Hassan Adebayo Sunmonu.

Also honoured were the Chairman of FCSL Asset Management, Mr. Olalekan Bello, and the President/Chief Executive Officer of Tetracore Energy Group, Mr. Olakunle Williams, who were conferred with the Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa).

In his remarks, Bello described Lead City University as a “citadel of learning whose vision and excellence have continued to illuminate Nigeria’s educational landscape.”

Earlier, the Chancellor of the University, Professor Gabriel Ogunmola, said the honorary degrees were awarded in recognition of the recipients’ leadership, professional excellence and contributions to society.

He noted that the 2024/2025 academic session marked the university’s 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of achievements in teaching, research and community service.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kabiru Adeyemo, said the convocation reflected years of dedication and intellectual growth by the graduands.

According to him, a total of 2,162 students were awarded first degrees, while 1,219 received higher degrees, bringing the total number of graduands to 3,379. Out of this number, 290 graduates earned first class honours.

Adeyemo added that the convocation spanned several days of academic celebrations and highlighted the university’s contributions to leadership development and societal impact.

He also revealed that the institution is seeking approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to introduce new academic programmes across several faculties.

On staff development, the vice-chancellor disclosed that the university sponsored 120 academic staff and 23 administrative staff to attend local and international conferences, workshops, and training programmes.