Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU) in Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, is set to celebrate the graduation of 1,043 students during its 17th convocation ceremony scheduled for Friday. Among these graduates, 83 students will be awarded first-class honours, marking a significant achievement for the institution.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olasebikan Fakolujo, announced the details of the upcoming event during a press briefing on Monday. He provided a comprehensive breakdown of the graduating classes, revealing that 897 students will receive first degrees, while 146 will earn postgraduate qualifications. This includes 22 PhDs, 94 academic master's degrees, 27 MBAs, and three postgraduate diplomas.

In his remarks, Fakolujo highlighted the growth of the university since its inception in February 2007, when it started with just 246 students. Over the past two decades, JABU has awarded a total of 10,448 undergraduate degrees. The vice-chancellor noted that of these degrees, 426 graduates achieved first-class honours, while 3,730 received second-class honours (upper division).

Fakolujo emphasized the university's commitment to academic excellence, stating that the performance of its graduates in various fields speaks volumes about their preparedness. He pointed out that the institution's Medical Laboratory Science and Nursing Science students have consistently excelled in their professional examinations. For the third consecutive year, the Medical Laboratory Science students achieved 100% success in their 2026 professional exams, while Nursing Science students also recorded a 100% success rate in their registered midwife professional examination.

The vice-chancellor expressed pride in the accomplishments of JABU graduates, who are making their mark in diverse sectors such as business, research, academia, public service, technology, and finance. He mentioned that the university's law graduates have continued to excel at the Nigerian Law School, further showcasing the quality of education provided at JABU.

As the university prepares for this milestone event, it reflects on its journey and the impact it has made in shaping the future of its students and contributing to national development. The upcoming convocation not only celebrates academic achievements but also marks the university's 20th anniversary, a testament to its enduring legacy in higher education in Nigeria.