Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, has graduated 2,471 students at its 18th convocation ceremony, with 213 undergraduates earning First Class honours and the institution recording its highest number of doctoral graduates since its establishment.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Shadrach Olufemi Akindele announced the figures during the convocation address on Thursday, October 8, 2026, as the university celebrated the graduating class, known as the 2026 Christ Ambassadors Set.
The graduating students comprised 2,009 undergraduates, 21 diploma recipients and 441 postgraduate students.
Of the undergraduates, 213 earned First Class honours, while 988 graduated with Second Class Upper Division degrees.
Combined, the two categories accounted for approximately 60 per cent of the undergraduate graduating class.
The university also produced 52 PhD graduates, alongside four Master of Philosophy recipients, 207 Master of Science graduates, 67 Master of Arts graduates, 28 Master of Business Administration graduates and 83 Postgraduate Diploma recipients.
Akindele described the PhD output as the highest in the institution’s history, highlighting the university’s postgraduate training and research capacity.
University increases research funding
Beyond its graduation figures, Redeemer’s University highlighted investments in research and academic development during the year.
Akindele disclosed that the institution invested ₦25 million in six staff-led research projects and increased its research budget to ₦200 million for the current financial year.
He also announced the addition of 20 professors during the year, describing the development as a significant milestone in the university’s academic growth.
The Vice-Chancellor further said the Tertiary Education Trust Fund had selected Redeemer’s University as one of the private universities involved in training lecturers from other institutions for master’s and doctoral programmes.
These developments formed part of the university’s account of its efforts to strengthen research, postgraduate education and academic capacity.
Adeboye warns graduates against quick wealth
At the Friday, October 9, ceremony, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and Visitor to the university, cautioned graduands against pursuing quick wealth through fraudulent and dishonest practices.
Adeboye, who was represented by the Chairman of the university’s Board of Trustees, Pastor Olukayode Pitan, urged the graduates to uphold Christian values and maintain integrity as they began the next phase of their lives.
He also called on parents and guardians to intensify their prayers and guide their children against dishonest ways of seeking success.
The message placed emphasis on the responsibility of graduates to maintain ethical standards despite the pressures associated with economic difficulties and the pursuit of financial success.
Guest speaker urges continuous learning
Also speaking at the Friday ceremony, guest speaker Sir Samson Oyewale Ariyibi encouraged graduates to embrace continuous learning, develop meaningful relationships and work towards building legacies that would endure beyond their lifetimes.
Ariyibi stressed the importance of professional development, diligence, contentment and faith.
“Never stop learning, always learn because learning is a continuous process,” he said.
He also urged the graduands to “build something that will outlast you,” encouraging them to look beyond immediate achievements and pursue contributions with lasting value.
Best graduating student records perfect CGPA
The convocation also celebrated Alabi Oluwadamilola Victoria, who emerged as the university’s overall best graduating student with a perfect cumulative grade point average of 5.00 in Accounting.
Victoria had also qualified as a chartered accountant before completing her university education.
She received several awards, including the Oluremi Tinubu Award for the Best Graduating Student.
Akindele disclosed that eight students had qualified through the May 2026 examinations of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.
Five of them graduated at the convocation, while three remained undergraduates, including one who qualified while in 200 level.
Victoria’s achievement highlighted the university’s emphasis on combining academic performance with professional qualifications.
Convocation lecture focuses on nation-building
The convocation programme also featured a lecture on leadership, innovation and Nigeria’s future.
The lecture, titled Reimagining Nigeria: Leadership, Innovation and the Future of Nation Building, was delivered on Wednesday, October 7, on behalf of Omoba Erinle Adeola Adeleye, Chief Executive Officer of The A’s Consulting, by Abiodun Ekebafe, a partner at the firm.
The lecture challenged graduates to contribute to national development through leadership, innovation and practical solutions rather than merely criticising the country’s problems.
The message complemented the university’s appeal to the graduands to apply their education responsibly and contribute meaningfully to society.
Redeemer’s University’s 18th convocation brought together academic achievements, research developments, professional accomplishments and messages urging graduates to combine competence with integrity as they enter the next stage of their lives.
