*Rafiu Ebiti becomes Pro-Chancellor

By SALMAH ADETONA ADEFAKA

Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has graduated 1,008 students at its 18th convocation ceremony, marking a major milestone in the institution’s academic development with the production of its first 16 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) holders.

The ceremony, held at the university’s main auditorium, the Bola Ajibola Auditorium, on Saturday, October 17, 2026, also featured the investiture of Dr Rafiu Adisa Ebiti as the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, as well as the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on three eminent Nigerians.

The honorary degree recipients were the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oba Saka Adelola Matemilola; renowned legal practitioner, Professor Yusuf Olaolu Ali (SAN); and Dr Lukman A. Bolaji.

The honours recognised their respective contributions to society and formed part of the university’s celebration of excellence, service and achievement.

The graduation of the university’s first 16 PhD holders represents a significant development in its postgraduate education programme.

The doctoral graduates came from four departments: Accounting, Biochemistry, Computer Science and Mass Communication.

Their emergence marks an important step in Crescent University’s expansion into advanced research and scholarship since its establishment in 2005.

Speaking at the ceremony, the university’s Proprietor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Prince Ma’ruf Ajibola (SAN), reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to the founding vision of providing quality academic and moral education.

He said the university had continued to improve its infrastructure and facilities to meet global standards, while expressing appreciation to stakeholders for their support towards its growth.

Ajibola also reiterated the institution’s commitment to the vision of its founder, the late Prince Bola Ajibola (SAN), a former Attorney-General of the Federation and judge of the International Court of Justice, to produce graduates equipped with sound academic knowledge and strong moral values.

Established in 2005, Crescent University is an Islamic faith-based private institution that emphasises academic excellence, character development and the preparation of graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to national and global development.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ibraheem Gbajabiamila, said the university was responding to emerging technological trends and developments in digital education through investments in modern teaching, learning and research facilities.

He disclosed that the institution had established a state-of-the-art Knowledge Laboratory and other facilities designed to strengthen academic delivery and improve students’ learning experiences.

According to him, Crescent University remains committed to combining intellectual development with moral discipline across its various academic programmes.

The investment in modern facilities is expected to support teaching and research in an era when technological advancement continues to reshape professional practice and the global economy.

Providing a breakdown of the graduating students, Gbajabiamila said 897 obtained first degrees, while the remaining graduates comprised postgraduate degree and diploma recipients.

Of the undergraduate graduands, 99 earned First Class honours, 439 obtained Second Class Upper Division degrees, while 289 graduated with Second Class Lower Division degrees.

Another 64 students obtained Third Class degrees, while six graduated with Pass degrees.

At the postgraduate level, 79 students earned master’s degrees, six completed Master of Business Administration programmes, seven obtained Master of Arts degrees, while three received Postgraduate Diplomas.

The Vice-Chancellor confirmed that the 16 doctoral graduates represented the university’s first PhD holders from the four departments.

Meanwhile, Muhsin Adedamola Ashimi of the Department of Mass Communication emerged as the overall best graduating student for the 2025/2026 academic session.

His achievement highlighted the academic excellence demonstrated by students across the university’s colleges and departments.

The convocation also featured the presentation of diplomas, certificates, prizes and other academic distinctions to deserving students in recognition of their performances.

The awards formed part of the institution’s efforts to encourage diligence, discipline and healthy academic competition among its students.