The honorees, acknowledged for their impactful roles in promoting societal advancement, included Karl Toriola, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria; Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria; Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, a distinguished academic and entrepreneur; Daere Afonya-Akobo, a prominent figure in the oil and gas sector; and Dr. Akinade Akanmu Ogunbiyi, Group Chairman of Mutual Benefits Plc.
The ceremony, presided over by Vice-Chancellor Professor Simeon Bamire, spanned three days and celebrated the graduation of 7,368 students. The honorees were commended for their substantial contributions to society, utilizing their skills, resources, and support to enhance communities and foster progress across various domains. Notably, four of the five honorees—Karl Toriola, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe, and Dr. Akinade Ogunbiyi—are esteemed alumni of OAU.
Senator Oluremi Tinubu was recognized for her political acumen and advocacy for marginalized groups, especially women and children. Dr. Ogunbiyi, whose business empire employs over 5,000 individuals, received accolades for his leadership in corporate Nigeria and his role in job creation.
Professor Adegbulugbe and Daere Afonya-Akobo were similarly honored for their pioneering contributions in academia and the oil and gas industry, respectively. Karl Toriola, at the helm of MTN Nigeria, has made significant strides in the telecommunications sector, driving the company towards innovation and enhanced service delivery.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Bamire praised the honorees for their outstanding accomplishments and commitment to societal betterment. “These individuals embody the principles of excellence, service, and leadership that Obafemi Awolowo University aims to instill in its graduates,” he remarked.
The convocation reinforced OAU's commitment to honoring excellence and acknowledging individuals who embody its principles of innovation and societal influence. The honorary awards highlight the remarkable achievements of the recipients and act as a source of motivation for future leaders and change agents.