The University of Ibadan (UI) Distant Learning students sprang surprises at the 2014 convocation event as they joined the rank of first class graduates.

A total of 3,597 candidates graduated from seven faculties in the University of Ibadan, among which were three students with first class honours, and 14 others with second class (upper division) from the Distance Learning Centre of the institution, at the 2014 convocation and 66th Founder’s Day ceremonies, held at the Professor Oritsejolomi Thomas Hall, International Conference Centre (ICC) of the institution.

Miss Fafowora Bimbo emerged the first student with first class, from the Department of Communication and Language Arts, Faculty of Arts. Mr Seye Odunbaku, a student of educational management, Faculty of Education, also came out with first class honours as well as four others from different departments.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Isaac Adewole, while speaking at the event, noted that the Distance Learning Centre is not failing in its obligation by producing quality graduates to support the human resources need of the country, adding that the centre has continued to take giant strides at repositioning itself on the same page as the rest of the world.

While congratulating the graduands for their academic achievements, he enjoined them to be good ambassadors of the university wherever they find themselves, saying the future of the country depends on them.

“Without any doubt, this university has prepared you to be amongst the most sought-after graduates in the employment market. It is important you also look back to your alma-mater, because your contribution will go a long way to sustain the tradition of excellence which you are all beneficiaries now,” Prof. Adewole said.

Professor Bayo Okunade, director of the Distance Learning Centre, in his message, said the event was ceremonial, and wished them well in their future endeavours. “This is ceremonial. To us, we are glad that we are producing first class students, and are graduating the first set of political science students.”

•Photo shows a cross section of the University of Ibadan Distance Learning Centre’s graduands, during the 2014 Convocation Ceremony.