Redeemer’s University Graduates 2,471 Students, Produces Record 52 PhDs at 18th Convocation

THE Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Prof. Shadrach Olufemi Akindele, has announced the graduation of 2,471 students at the institution’s 18th convocation ceremony held on Thursday at the university campus, Ede, Osun State.

Delivering his convocation address, Prof. Akindele described the gathering as more than a scheduled academic occasion, but a formal rite of transition and a joyful celebration of diligence, character, and destinies ready to take flight.

According to him, out of the total graduands, 2,009 are undergraduates, 21 diploma, and 441 postgraduates.

Giving a breakdown of the undergraduate class, the VC said 213 earned First Class Honours, while 988 earned Second Class Upper Division, meaning 60% of the graduating class are in the top two categories.

For the postgraduate school, the VC disclosed that the university produced its highest number of PhDs ever.

“This year we are producing the highest number of PhDs this university has ever produced — 52 in number in total. And 4 MPhils, 207 MScs, 67 MAs, 28 MBAs, and 83 PGDs,” he said.

Prof. Akindele charged the graduands, described as the Christ Ambassadors set, to carry the mandate of heaven, the honour of their families, and the distinguished reputation of the university.

He said, “Your certificate is both an achievement and a responsibility. Go forth with competence, character, and godly values, and remain worthy ambassadors of Redeemer’s University.”

On research and academic growth, the VC revealed that the university invested N25 million in six staff-led research projects, adding that the research budget has now been increased to N200 million in the current financial year.

He also noted that the university added 20 new professors during the year, describing it as historic.

Prof. Akindele highlighted the university’s recent recognitions, stating that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) selected Redeemer’s University as one of the few private universities to train lecturers from different universities for Masters and PhD programmes.

He added that internationally, Redeemer’s University is the only university in Africa to win the Mastercard Foundation grant to train scientists from all African countries in Masters and PhDs for the next five years in genomics research.

He further disclosed that eight accounting students qualified as Chartered Accountants (ICAN) as undergraduates in the May 2026 diet, with one of them achieving the feat at 200 level.

On rankings, the VC announced that in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ranking 2026, Redeemer’s University was ranked as the second overall best university in Nigeria, and first in 7 out of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Appreciating stakeholders, Prof. Akindele said the university remains indebted to the Visitor, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, and Mother-in-Israel, Pastor Mrs. Folu Adeboye, for their persistent support. He also thanked the Board of Trustees, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, the leadership of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, host community of Ede, and the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Y. Ribadu, represented at the event, commended Redeemer’s University for its continued contribution to quality higher education and human capital development.

He said the true measure of a university extends beyond degrees awarded, but is reflected in the quality of its graduates, knowledge generated, research produced, and impact on society.

The NUC boss urged universities to remain dynamic in the face of Artificial Intelligence, digitalisation and evolving labour market demands, adding that the commission remains committed to a university system anchored on quality, relevance, innovation and integrity.

He charged the graduating class to embrace emerging technologies responsibly and let competence define their work.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, said the congregation gathered to celebrate the outcome of a journey that started five years ago, congratulating the graduands and their parents on behalf of the Council.