Founder of and Visitor to Elizade University, Ilara Mokin, Ondo State, Chief Michael Ade. Ojo, speaking at the University’s combined 8th and 9th convocation ceremonies
- Founder Ade.Ojo says he’s happy even without financial gain on investment
- Ex-Minister Fashola begs youths to stop fleeing country
Elizade University at its Combined 8th and 9th Convocation Ceremonies celebrated significant academic achievements, with 484 graduates receiving Bachelor’s degrees and 74 others awarded graduate degrees, including the institution’s first-ever doctoral degrees.
These were in a statement by the university’s spokesman, Mr Williams Olufunmi.
He said that in a speech that highlighted the university’s strides in academic excellence and infrastructure, Founder and Visitor, Chief Michael Ade. Ojo, expressed immense satisfaction with the institution’s progress, despite the lack of financial returns on his investments.
He said: “Though I have not gained anything in monetary terms from my investment in the University, seeing young Nigerians coming out of this University fully prepared for the future and making global impacts are enough consolations for me.
“I have been intentionally sacrificial with my investment in the University. It therefore gladdens my heart to see the seeds I sowed to humanity, already bringing forth useful fruits.
“My vision has always been to provide world-class education right here in Nigeria, and while there’s still work to be done, I am pleased with how far we’ve come.”
Chief Ade. Ojo also acknowledged two distinguished honorary doctorate recipients—Apostle Folorunso Alakija and Chief Tunde Afolabi—for their outstanding contributions to both Nigeria and the world.
To meet the needs of the growing student population, the founder announced the completion of new facilities, including a 1,500-bed male hall of residence and a new cafeteria.
Addressing the challenges facing private universities, he called on the government to support institutions like Elizade University, which he noted were “working hard to fill the gaps in Nigeria’s education system.”
He also urged the university to continue to place greater emphasis on research and entrepreneurship training, which he believes will equip students to contribute meaningfully to national development.
A former Minister of Works and Housing and two-term Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Raji Fashola, who delivered the Convocation Lecture titled “Nigeria and I, What can I do” pleaded with the youths to stop the mass exodus out of the country with the Japa syndrome.
He queried “Why did Mrs Alakija not run away? Why did Chief Afolabi not run away? Why are they still here?”
Explaining, he said times were equally tough in their younger days that propelled the popular musician Dr Victor Olaiya’s song Ilu le o, ko s’owo l’ode…. in the 60s
According to him, those were tough times, when Chief Ade. Ojo was at the University of Nigeria (UNN), “but Chief Ade. Ojo didn’t leave. If he left, there will be no Elizade University.”
Fashola insisted that the youths “have become leaders in the Nigerian household,” and therefore they “‘must embrace that responsibility as Chief Ade Ojo did”
He equally said his own experience and refusal to run away from the country as his other friends and siblings while they were much younger should encourage them to stay back in Nigeria and combat the situation headlong.
He further queried, “Do leaders run away when it is difficult?”
The university also celebrated its academic achievements, with Imogu Emmanuella Ifunanya (CGPA 4.95) and Adeeye Funmilayo Comfort (CGPA 4.92) named top graduates. Funmilayo has already started her Master’s studies at Stafford University.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kayode Ijadunola highlighted the university’s rapid growth, with new postgraduate programmes in Law, Civil Engineering, and Architecture.
Ijadunola said the university is committed to producing well-rounded graduates, skilled not only academically but also morally and entrepreneurially.
With new developments, a growing research portfolio, and strong community ties, Elizade University is poised to continue its upward trajectory in Nigerian higher education.
Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Emeritus Professor Olufemi Bamiro, who welcomed attendees, reflected on the university’s impressive expansion since its founding in 2012.
From just two faculties and 13 programmes, Elizade University now offers 31 undergraduate and 23 graduate programmes, ranking among Nigeria’s top 26 universities.
As part of its continued development, the university now has a ₦4.7 billion Hall of Residence constructed by the Founder with plans to build a 2,500-capacity auditorium.
Prof Bamiroalso reminded the graduates of the changing job market, encouraging them to develop a mindset of resilience and adaptability.
His words: “The days of relying solely on white-collar jobs are over.”
“Your success will depend on your ability to create opportunities and think entrepreneurially.”
