No fewer than 50 First-Class degree holders and 67 Postgraduate degree holders graduated from Landmark University for the 2021/2022 Academic Session. This was disclosed by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charity Aremu at the 9th Convocation Ceremony held in the school premises in Omu-Aran, Kwara State on Friday 19th May 2023. 

According to the Vice-Chancellor, 684 first and higher degrees and diplomas were awarded to deserving graduates across the University’s four colleges, including the College of Agricultural Sciences, College of Business and Social Sciences, College of Engineering and College of Pure and Applied Sciences. She revealed further that 252 bagged 2nd Class Upper degree, 293 bagged 2nd Class Lower degree and only 22 were in the 3rd Class. The Higher degrees and Diplomas included 5 Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), 53 Master of Science (MSc) and 9 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). 

Later, the overall Best Graduands for first and higher degrees were unveiled. Kayode Favour Oluwabunkunmi graduated with a 4.93 CGPA from the Department of Chemical Engineering for first degree, Ayorinde Bolajoko Bisola with a 4.98 CGPA from the Department of Soil Science for master’s degree, and Ikubanni Peter Pelumi with a 5.00 CGPA from the Department of Mechanical Engineering for PhD.

The Vice-Chancellor noted that the students’ academic milestones could be attributed to the exceptional quality academic standards, practical teaching and learning, and overall quality ambiance of the University. She added that aside from being a globally renowned university using its exceptional facilities in quality engagements, the University offer bespoke and innovative courses that position its graduates for the competitive world of work. She disclosed that the University constantly receives heartwarming compliments validating its reputation as a world-class institution.

The Pro-Chancellor, Pastor (Mrs) Faith Oyedepo in her address noted that the training received is to make them change agents and reformers. She admonished them to be forward-looking in locating their paths in life thereby giving expression to the name they are called, ‘Pathfinders’. In furtherance of her admonition, Pastor (Mrs) Faith Oyedepo encouraged the graduands never to despise little beginnings but to embrace them and be persistent, saying that “Your ability to handle the small things will determine your ability to handle the big ones. There is nothing little now that does not have the potential of becoming great.”

Speaking in his address titled “Espousing the Virtues of Responsibility,” the Chancellor Dr David Oyedepo emphasized that the University is committed to releasing graduates with a new perspective, who are built on a “responsibility format”. Hence, the University has inculcated a sense of responsibility in the graduands because it is believed that the price of greatness is responsibility. He added that the graduands are expected to influence their world by their approaches and way of life. Having established that responsibility is all about efficient management of Self, Time, Tasks and Resources, Dr David Oyedepo charged the graduates to take responsibility for their lives, noting that where they stand tomorrow is not a product of luck, but a result of their productive labour today. He said “Destiny is a non-transferable responsibility, you either face it or you are phased out! Those who will not take responsibility today will end up as liabilities tomorrow.” He went further to caution them that it is failure to blame others for the outcome of their lives. He said, “We have blamed everyone enough; I believe it’s time we awake to take responsibility. Everything about human existence requires responsibility to be realized. No one succeeds by accident. So much Free Money on our streets, with little or no value added. Wealth gotten by vanity shall diminish, he that gathers by labour shall increase. Breaking records ‘breaks’ people! One must be willing to reach the ‘Breaking point’ to Break Records.” He, therefore, concluded that “Graduates of Landmark University are expected to respond to issues as demanded, not as convenient.”

On behalf of the Class of 2022, Mr Divine Lewis who was the Chairman of the Student Council of the set appreciated the University in his remarks for the unique education system it provides for their birth as world changers. He appreciated the Proprietor base and most especially the Chancellor Dr David Oyedepo for yielding God’s call leading to the establishment of the University. He thanked the Chancellor, especially for the David Oyedepo Foundation Scholarship opportunity which enabled him and others to have quality education at Landmark University.

Earlier in his welcome speech, the Registrar, Mr Olushola Oyinloye noted that the university has recorded unparallel achievements one of which was its listing amongst world-class universities in its 12 years of existence. He said as a new set of graduates is released, the University remains forward-looking in its drive for excellence towards providing quality value-adding individuals for nation-building.

It is worthy of note that the University received heartwarming goodwill messages from eminent personalities who came from far and near to grace the occasion, some of whom are the Deputy Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Mr Kayode Alabi ably represented by Evangelist Professor Timothy Okunola of the Department of Mathematics, University of Ilorin; the Olomu of Omu-Aran HRM Oba AbdulRaheem Adeoti and the Olomu-in-Council; other traditional rulers from the Omu-Aran environs; Vice-Chancellors of other Universities such as the Professor Wahab Egbewole SAN of the University of Ilorin and Professor Francisca Oladipo of Thomas Adewumi University amongst others. Also in attendance were the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet of the State CID, the Kwara State JAMB Officials ably led by their Zonal Director/Coordinator of JAMB, Dr Halilu Mohammed; the Landmark University Alumni ably led by their President, Mr Henry Nweke-Love and many others.

The 9th Convocation of Landmark University also featured an exhibition of innovations and inventions by students and members of the Faculty at the University’s SDGs Exhibition Centre and later the Chancellor’s Luncheon where guests were entertained.