Grandfather gets first class in UI - It is never too late to shine

A grandfather, Mr Aderemi Alli, was among the 21 first class graduates produced by the University of Ibadan (UI) at its convocation on Thursday in Ibadan.

The university graduated a total of 1,582 students for the 2011/2012 academic session with 243 graduating in Second Class (Upper Division) and 920, Second Class (Lower Division). A total of 135 of the students graduated with Third Class and 203 Pass.

Alli, 57, was among the three first class graduates produced by the institution’s Faculty of Law.

He had had a first degree in economics education 31 years ago. Alli, whose last child is studying electrical engineering in UI, told journalists at the ceremony that he was motivated to study law because many of his schoolmates had become Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

“I feel I can still participate in the society in spite of my age. I am using this medium to advise others that they can do it, If I can do it,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Adewole, said that of the 21 first class graduates, one was produced by the Faculty of Arts and 17 came the university’s affiliated institutions.

He expressed regret that the university did not produce many first degree graduands due to the disruption of the 2011/2012 academic calendar which prevented some final year students from completing their courses.

Adewole urged the graduating students to be relevant to their society. “There is no doubt that the University of Ibadan has laid the foundation that will enable you to face the challenges of the 21st century and the demands of the present-day labour market.

“It is, therefore, your responsibility to prove that the education you have acquired is world-class,” Adewole said. The vice chancellor gave the assurance that the university would continue to lay the foundation for life-long learning.