Thomas Adewumi University marked another historic milestone as it hosted its 2nd Convocation Ceremony, celebrating outstanding academic excellence, innovation, leadership, and the 63 graduands of the Class of 2025. The event brought together dignitaries from academia, industry, government agencies, as well as proud parents, friends, and well-wishers.

Delivering the Convocation Lecture titled “Crowdfunding Opportunities for Startups: Equipping Nigerian Graduates for a Sustainable Future,” the Convocation Lecturer, Pastor Bayo W. Olugbemi, Ph.D, D.Sc (Honoris Causa), FCIB, FCMR, FCS, FCIS, FCIoD, FCRM, Managing Director/CEO of First Registrars & Investor Services Ltd. and past President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, enlightened the audience on the transformative power of crowdfunding for today’s graduates.
He explained the evolution of crowdfunding, its forms, and the vast opportunities it presents for young innovators, noting that it is “one of the greatest tools available to today’s generation, an opportunity previous generations could scarcely imagine.”

Pastor Olugbemi emphasized storytelling as a strategy for raising funds, urging graduates to be solution-driven and imaginative. He encouraged them to think deeply about challenges in their communities, build ideas around them, and leverage crowdfunding to bring meaningful solutions to life.
He concluded with a powerful call to action: “Your future is not defined by what Nigeria gives you, but by what you create.”

In her Convocation Address titled “Celebrating Excellence, Defining the Future,” the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francisca O. Oladipo, highlighted the remarkable growth and achievements of TAU within a short period. She celebrated the university’s advances in research, innovation, accreditation successes, global partnerships, infrastructural expansion, and the exceptional performance of the graduating students.
She noted that TAU is fully committed to building a world-class system rooted in character, leadership, and excellence. Her address emphasized that the university is not only shaping graduates for Nigeria but for global relevance in a fast-changing world.

In his goodwill message, the Founder and Chancellor of the University, Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi, congratulated the graduates and urged them to be worthy ambassadors of TAU wherever they go. He charged them to uphold excellence, integrity, and service in all their endeavours. “Remember that your degree is not an end but a beginning. Go forth with courage, humility, and a sense of responsibility. Strive to illuminate whatever space you occupy with the light of integrity, excellence, and service.” he said. 

Also delivering a goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, represented by Esther I. Eyo, Esq, praised the management of TAU for its steady stride toward becoming a globally competitive institution. She noted that, “NUC acknowledges TAU’s sustained progress in advancing quality teaching, impactful research, innovation, and community engagement, all of which align with our national aspiration for a knowledge-driven university system.”

The Pro-Chancellor, Professor Victor Olanrewaju, commended the graduates for their resilience and applauded the parents and guardians for trusting the university with the education and character formation of their children. Following the addresses, awards and a plaque of appreciation were presented to the Pastor Bayo Olugbemi, the Convocation Lecturer for his insightful and inspiring lecture delivered. 

A major highlight of the ceremony was the award of first degrees and presentation of prizes to outstanding graduates. Oluwatodunni Obafemi, from the Department of Software Engineering, emerged as the Overall Best Graduating Student with an outstanding CGPA of 4.88, earning applause from guests and the university community.

The 63 graduates were also formally inducted into the Thomas Adewumi University Alumni Association, marking the beginning of a new journey as ambassadors of the institution. Goodwill messages from Vice-Chancellors of sister universities added colour to the ceremony.

In recognition of excellence and societal impact, the University conferred Honorary Doctorate Degrees on two distinguished personalities:

• Engr. Oluseyi Afolabi, MNSE, FNSChE – Doctor of Engineering (Honoris Causa)
  Principal Consultant/CEO of Reservoir and Facilities Solutions Nigeria Limited and Chairman, BOT of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

• Pastor Oladokun Olatunde – Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa)
  Chairman, SEAP Holdings Limited, celebrated for his visionary leadership and commitment to societal transformation.

The well-attended ceremony featured distinguished guests, university officals, royal fathers, parents, media professionals, alumni, and friends of the University; all gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Class of 2025.

The 2nd Convocation Ceremony of Thomas Adewumi University stands as a testament to the institution’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and character-driven education.