UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN HOLDS MATRICULATION CEREMONY FOR THE 2024/25 SESSION

By Osuolale Oluwatomilayo 

The University of Ibadan held its matriculation ceremony on April 16, 2025, formally welcoming freshmen to the institution. This event followed a two-day orientation program held on April 14th and 15th, 2025. The ceremony began at 10:00 a.m. prompt with the academic procession entering the venue, accompanied by the national and university anthems.

The Registrar opened the ceremony and invited Vice Chancellor Prof. Kayode O. Adebowale to declare it open and give his matriculation address. 

In his matriculation address, Prof. Adebowale welcomed the 4,633 new students to the university, expressing his pride. He said, "It's a place where 'giants' abound, where individuals face challenges due to the high standards and bars we've set, including excellence, morality, and responsibility. Here, you'll have the opportunity to learn from esteemed scholars, both past and present, who have made significant contributions to their fields."

The University Orator, Prof. Simisola O. Akintola, having read the citations, welcomed Dr. Olukayode Abiola Aiyenuyo, a 2007 graduate of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, to deliver the matriculation lecture. In his lecture, “University of Ibadan: there is influence, capacity and power in this place”, he emphasized the importance of self-awareness and action, highlighting how the university shapes each student's life and empowers them to make informed decisions, discover their potential, and craft their identities through being and doing.

After the newly matriculated students took the matriculation oath, the Registrar provided instructions on signing the matriculation register. He emphasized that the ceremony would be incomplete without students signing the register, which would close by 3:00 p.m. on the same day.

The Vice Chancellor concluded the event, and the university anthem and national anthem were sung as the academic procession exited in reverse order.