By Isqil Najim
The Overall Best Graduating Student of the Faculty of Engineering at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ajayi David Bamidele, has cautioned fellow graduating engineers that while their degrees may grant them entry into the professional world, only their character will ensure their longevity in it.
Ajayi, a Civil Engineering graduate who finished with a CGPA of 4.89, delivered his valedictory address at the 11th Engineering Induction and Oath-Taking ceremony, held at OOU’s Ibogun campus. Hundreds of graduates were formally admitted into the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN).
“Engineering is a profession where lives are at stake. Every bridge carries trust, and every system carries consequences. Our certificates may open doors, but our character will decide how long we stay in the room,” Ajayi said. “Today, we are not just engineers by title, we are engineers by responsibility.”
Reflecting on his time at OOU, Ajayi credited his success to consistency and the grace to overcome moments that felt impossible. He commended university management, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, for fostering an environment of intentional excellence, and thanked faculty leaders — including Provost Prof. O. J. Adeosun and Dean Prof. Olufunke Akinkurolere — for their mentorship.
Speaking on the day’s theme, “Beyond the Degree: Building a Sustainable Career in Engineering,” Ajayi urged his peers to stay humble and adaptable, noting that an engineer’s true value lies not in the size of their certificate but in the value they bring to society. “Sustainability in engineering demands the humility to keep learning and the discipline to uphold ethics even when shortcuts are tempting,” he added.
“Your Degree Is Not Your Permit”
The guest lecture was delivered by former NSE President Engr. Ademola Olorunfemi, who gave the 381 inductees a sobering yet inspiring roadmap, cautioning against chasing immediate financial gain at the expense of professional mastery. “Your degree is not your permit; your character is,” he said, describing an “empty top” paradox — the entry-level market is crowded, but there is always room at the top for engineers who pair technical excellence with unwavering integrity.
NSE President Engr. Ali Rabiu, represented by Engr. Odunuga Oluseyi (Chairman, NSE Mowe Branch), described the induction as a transition from students to “professional nation-builders,” noting that Nigeria needs engineers with vision and competence to redefine its future.
Faculty Prizes
Ajayi David Bamidele (Civil Engineering, 4.89 CGPA) was named Overall Best Graduating Male Student, while Soremekun Elizabeth Temitayo (Electrical and Electronics Engineering, 4.80 CGPA) was Overall Best Graduating Female Student.
Top departmental performers included:
- Mechanical Engineering: Saka Ebunoluwa Oladapo (4.88)
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering: Adesola Folarin Jibril (4.81)
- Computer Engineering: Akinwande Daniel George (4.57)
- Agricultural Engineering: Adegboyega James Damilare (4.30)
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Agboola described engineering as the backbone of national development, urging the “pupil engineers” to be visionary custodians of the future who embrace digital intelligence, 3D printing, and modular construction to stay competitive. “You are not just members of an institution; you are custodians of the future,” he said.
Dean Prof. Akinkurolere thanked management for approving a 750-seater lecture theatre for the faculty, calling it a major boost to teaching capacity. She also revealed that the Vice-Chancellor’s own child was among the inductees — a gesture she called a strong vote of confidence in the faculty’s standards — and urged graduates to uphold integrity and excellence as they enter the profession.
Induction and Oaths
Inductees were formally admitted as Graduate Members of the NSE and into COREN by Dr. Folasade Adebayo, representing COREN President Prof. Sadiq Abubakar. The ceremony, held in collaboration with the NSE Ilaro Branch, was attended by NSE Ogun State branch chairmen Engr. Olumayowa Idowu, Engr. Fabian Anyanwu, and Engr. Abayomi Layeni.
The induction formed part of OOU’s 35th convocation, where 5,808 graduates were conferred degrees. Of these, 147 earned First Class, 2,051 Second Class Upper, 2,927 Second Class Lower, 571 Third Class, 26 a Pass grade, and 86 were unclassified (medical programme graduates).
Prof. Agboola noted that OOU, ranked 16th among 321 Nigerian universities, has maintained 100% course accreditation and added nine new programmes — seven undergraduate, two postgraduate. He also announced three new Professors Emeriti: Prof. Adewale Sule-Odu (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), Prof. Adetola Olatunji (former Provost, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences), and Prof. Sheriffdeen Tella (Economics).
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