Bowen University graduates 1,443 students at 21st convocation

According to Nigerian Tribune, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and Visitor to Bowen University, Iwo, Rev. Dr. David Olusola Idowu, has urged Nigerian youths to remain focused, purposeful and hardworking in their pursuit of life goals and the acquisition of skills. Idowu gave the advice at the 21st convocation ceremony of Bowen University held on Saturday, where 1,443 graduating students received various degrees and postgraduate qualifications.

The Baptist leader challenged young people to embrace hard work and dedication, urging them not to delay in taking up leadership responsibilities. Speaking on the challenges facing young people, Idowu noted that society is noisy and distracted, and warned against negative trends such as teenagers going into money rituals with the support of parents. He recalled that historical leaders like Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa and Obafemi Awolowo became leaders in their 30s, while adding that he became a church pastor at the age of 21. The Visitor also shared plans to expand Bowen University beyond its current level and position it as an internationally recognised institution of repute, including an agenda to establish another university in Nigeria as soon as possible.

Convocation Awards and Future Plans

The Chancellor of the institution, Rev. Yusuf Gwadah, stated that Bowen University emerged as the third-ranked private institution and 12th overall in Nigeria, according to the Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings in 2025 and 2026 respectively. Gwadah congratulated the graduating students and urged them to let the values of Godliness, Excellence and Leadership remain their compass. The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Deaconess Joan Olatoyosi Ayo, stated that the council would explore collaborations with other universities and international organisations to attract research grants, sponsorship and exchange programmes.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jonathan Babalola, emphasised that academic excellence and quality assurance remain central to the university's priorities. During the ceremony, the overall best graduating student from the Accounting programme, Oyindamola Naomi Bankole, received an award of ₦1 million. The second-best graduating student from the Economics programme, Abayomi Benedict Tayo-Adigboluja, received ₦700,000 from the university management for their academic performances.