Ibadan – The University of  Ibadan on Monday offered automatic scholarship to its 75 first class graduates in the 2010/2011 academic session to study post graduate programmes of their choice in the university.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole, announced this in Ibadan at the opening of the institution’s four-day graduation ceremonies.

He said the gesture was in pursuit of the university’s commitment to developing a 21st century workforce for the country.

Adewole said a total of 1,647 candidates graduated from the Faculties of Art, Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Pharmacy, Public Health Technology and Law.

He also said a total of 496 graduands also made second class honours in the upper division in various disciplines.

The vice-chancellor said the university was working hard to restore the institution to its role as a player in the provision of requisite education in the 21st century.

“The university has never relented in its efforts at ensuring proper training of students so that they can compete favourably with their counterparts globally,’’ he said

While commending the graduands for their commitment and diligence, Adewole urged them to make use of the skills and knowledge acquired from the institution to better their lives.

“The university has already showed you the path of honour, which you will be expected to tow in life.

“Having produced graduates of your calibre, I make bold to say that God helping us, you are the needed catalyst for meeting societal needs in the country,’’ he said.

In a valedictory speech on behalf of the students, Mr Osamaduwa Iweka, of the Faculty of Arts,  thanked the management of the institution for the successes recorded