The University of Ibadan (UI)—Nigeria’s premier and first university—once again prepares to celebrate a proud tradition of academic excellence, innovation, and service to humanity. The 2025 Convocation and Foundation Day Ceremonies are set to bring together scholars, students, alumni, and distinguished guests from across the world to honour the achievements of graduating students and reflect on the University’s legacy of impact spanning over seven decades.

This year’s ceremonies go beyond the usual pomp and pageantry. They represent a moment of reflection, recognition, and renewal—a celebration of the University’s contributions to national growth, leadership, and knowledge creation. From groundbreaking research fairs to career-building events and inspiring lectures, the programme is filled with events that showcase the University’s continued relevance in shaping the future of Nigeria and Africa at large.

Highlights of the 2025 Convocation and Foundation Day Programme

The full lineup of events promises an inspiring and memorable experience for all participants.

Monday, 3 November 2025 – Opening Ceremony

Event: University of Ibadan Research Development (UI-RESDEV) Fair – Day 1
Theme: Research, Innovation and Development: A Tripod for Meeting Societal Needs
Chairman: Mrs. Yemisi Iranloye, CEO, Psaltery International Company Limited, Ado-Awaye, Oyo State
Keynote Speaker: Mr. Adegbite Falade, MD/CEO, Aradel Holdings Ltd
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Venue: International Conference Centre

This opening day sets the tone for the week, highlighting UI’s unwavering commitment to problem-solving research and innovation that drives national development.

Tuesday, 4 November 2025

Event: UI Research Development (UI-RESDEV) Fair – Day 2
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Venue: International Conference Centre

The second day of the research fair continues the dialogue on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology transfer, providing a platform for collaboration among academia, industry, and government.

Wednesday, 5 November 2025

Event: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Fair – Day 1
Theme: Inspiring Next-GEN SMEs
Keynote Speaker: Mr. Kingsley Aigbokhaevbo, Deputy Managing Director, Providus Bank
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Venue: International Conference Centre

The University emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship among the youth, showcasing how small businesses can drive national economic growth.

Thursday, 6 November 2025

Event: SMEs Fair – Day 2
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Venue: International Conference Centre

Day two of the fair provides opportunities for students, alumni, and small business owners to network, exchange ideas, and explore avenues for growth.

Friday, 7 November 2025

Events:

1. UI Career Fair
   Theme: Tech, Talent, and Tomorrow: Preparing Nigerian Youth for Global Opportunities
   Keynote Speaker: Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu, MD/CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited
   Time: 9:00 a.m.
   Venue: International Conference Centre

2. Jumat Service
   Time: 1:00 p.m.*
   Venue: UI Mosque

The Career Fair emphasizes UI’s vision to prepare its graduates for the global stage, while the Jumat Service offers a spiritual pause for thanksgiving and reflection.

Saturday, 8 November 2025

Event: University of Ibadan Research Foundation Day
Theme: Strengthening Resilience in Adolescents and Youth Development in Africa: Co-creating Strategies and Policy Options on Mental Health, SRH, and Nutrition
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Honourable Minister of State for Health
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: Trenchard Hall

This session focuses on public health, mental well-being, and the empowerment of African youth—a testament to UI’s leadership in policy-driven research.

Sunday, 9 November 2025

Event: Night of Music
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Venue: Trenchard Hall

The evening promises a vibrant display of musical artistry and cultural expression by the University’s talented choirs and performing groups.

Monday, 10 November 2025

Events:

1. Health Rally – 10:00 a.m., Trenchard Hall

2. Rehearsals (for Principal Officers, Provosts, Deans, Faculty Officers, and Ceremonial Committee Members) – 3:00 p.m., International Conference Centre

The day encourages healthy living among students and staff, reminding all that a sound body complements a sound mind.

2025 Convocation Ceremonies

Tuesday, 11 November 2025 – Day 1

Faculties: Arts, Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Public Health, Dentistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Commencement Speaker: Dr. Abel Kehinde Adegoke, GP, Senior/Executive Partner and Cardiovascular Physician, Hamilton Medical Centre, UK
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: International Conference Centre

Convocation Lecture:
Speaker: H.E. Professor Sarah Anyang Agbor, Former AU Commissioner for Human Resources, Science, and Technology
Topic: Agenda 2063: All Hands on Deck for the Africa We Want
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Venue: Trenchard Hall

Wednesday, 12 November 2025 – Day 2

Faculties: Agriculture, Social Sciences, Veterinary Medicine, Technology, Law, Economics and Management Sciences, Renewable Natural Resources
Commencement Speaker: Mrs. Bola Olajomi-Otubu, MD/CEO, Beige Spaces Limited, Lagos
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: International Conference Centre

Thursday, 13 November 2025 – Day 3

Faculties: Education and Environmental Design and Management
Commencement Speaker: Dr. Charles Tolulope Akinsete, Department of English, University of Ibadan
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: International Conference Centre

Friday, 14 November 2025 – Day 4

Faculties: Arts, Education, Veterinary Medicine, Technology, Economics and Management Sciences, Renewable Natural Resources, Environmental Design and Management, Multidisciplinary Studies, and Institute of Education
Degrees: Postgraduate Diplomas and Higher Degrees (Master’s, M.Phil.)
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: International Conference Centre

Command Performance:
Title: Even Kins are Guilty
Written by: Keye Abiona
Directed by: Olanike Onimisi
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Wole Soyinka Theatre (By Invitation Only)

Saturday, 15 November 2025 – Day 5

Faculties: Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Agriculture, Social Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Law, Public Health, Institute of African Studies, Institute of Child Health, and School of Business
Also Includes: Admission to Master’s Degrees of PAULESI
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: International Conference Centre

Sunday, 16 November 2025 – Foundation Day Service

Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: Chapel of the Resurrection

The Foundation Day Service is a solemn thanksgiving to commemorate the founding of Nigeria’s oldest university and its continued service to the nation and the world.

Monday, 17 November 2025 – Day 6 (Foundation Day Ceremonies)

Event: Conferment of Honorary Degrees and Admission to Higher Degrees (Doctorate) of PAULESI and the University of Ibadan
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: International Conference Centre

This grand finale will feature the conferment of honorary degrees on distinguished individuals who have made exceptional contributions to academia, governance, and humanity.

A Legacy of Excellence and Service

The University of Ibadan’s Convocation and Foundation Day ceremonies stand as a proud reminder of its mission: to expand the frontiers of knowledge and produce globally competitive graduates committed to leadership and societal development.

From its founding in 1948 to the present day, UI has remained a centre of learning and excellence, producing leaders in science, medicine, arts, law, and governance.

Signed:
G. O. Saliu, fspsp, FNIM, FCIML, MANUPA, MAUA
Registrar and Secretary to Senate
University of Ibadan

FIND FILE ATTACHED HERE