Ajayi Crowther University (ACU), Oyo, on Wednesday celebrated academic excellence as 76 graduating students received special recognition from the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ebunoluwa Olufemi Oduwole, for emerging with First Class Honours at the institution’s 17th Convocation Ceremony.

The First Class graduands were applauded as “shining examples of diligence and discipline” as the university conferred degrees on 2,336 undergraduate students, while preparations continue for the award of 1,297 postgraduate degrees on Thursday, November 27.

Addressing the graduates, Professor Oduwole removed her academic cap briefly in their honour, describing the 76 First Class achievers as “triumphant heroes who have distinguished themselves through hard work.”

“We are awarding degrees to 2,336 undergraduate and 1,297 postgraduate students at this year’s convocation. In the undergraduate category, 76 persons will bag First Class Honours; 1,408 are in the Second Class Upper division; 810 in Second Class Lower; and 42 in the Third Class division,” she announced.

She added that the postgraduate awards include 170 Postgraduate Diploma holders and 1,127 Master’s degree recipients across various disciplines.

Professor Oduwole, the first female Vice Chancellor of the institution, also used the occasion to highlight key reforms undertaken since she assumed office on October 1, 2025. She noted that the university had recorded significant progress within her first 60 days in office.

Among the milestones she listed were:

Enhanced spiritual development and increased participation in chapel activities.

Strengthened academic programmes, including accreditation visits by the National Universities Commission (NUC) for seven programmes,

Revitalised internet connectivity across campuses.

Establishment of a Research Grant Clinic.

Improved student affairs and welfare.

Upgrades to the university health centre, bakery, and laundry units.

Expanded internal revenue through the production of ACU Nano Paint.

Beautification and environmental enhancement projects on campus, and

Renewed staff welfare, committee restructuring, and promotion of innovation.

She also revealed that new programmes, including a degree in Artificial Intelligence, are awaiting NUC approval, while the university is developing a College of Health Sciences and strengthening collaboration with institutions such as the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN).

According to the VC, the ongoing faculty relocation and increased visibility of staff on international academic platforms are part of broader efforts to improve global ranking, boost student intake, and provide a more conducive learning environment.

Professor Oduwole congratulated all graduating students, urging them to uphold the university’s values of integrity, compassion, service, and lifelong learning as they advance into the next phase of their lives.