Fountain University Osogbo graduates 346

By Abdullahi Yusuf

The 14th Convocation Ceremony of Fountain University, Osogbo, marked a significant milestone in the university’s journey of excellence and impact. Led by its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olayinka Ramota Karim, this auspicious event celebrated the outstanding achievements of the Class of 2023/2024, the growth of the university, and the unwavering support of its stakeholders.

Here is the full address delivered by Professor Karim during the convocation ceremony, highlighting the remarkable milestones, achievements, and vision for the future of this esteemed institution.

Speech in details:

As-Salamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,

All praise is due to Allah, the Most Beneficent and Merciful, who has granted us the blessing of life and the opportunity to witness this momentous occasion. May His peace and blessings be upon the noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his household, companions, and all Muslims until the end of time.

It is with immense joy and heartfelt gratitude that I warmly welcome you all to the 14th Convocation Ceremony of Fountain University, Osogbo—the esteemed University of the Nasrul–Lahi-l-Fatih Society, Worldwide. This significant occasion is a true celebration of the achievements and resilience of our graduands and the continued growth of our beloved institution.

It is with great honour that I welcome His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator AdemolaJackson Nurudeen Adeleke, ably represented by His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi. I also extend a warm welcome to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, ably represented by Prof. Abdulrahman AsipitaSalawu, Vice-Chancellor of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, who has graciously served as the Chairman of today’s Convocation Lecture.

It is my privilege to welcome His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sabur Oladimeji Bankole, CFR, the 11th Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, and our distinguished Convocation Lecturer.

I extend a heartfelt and respectful welcome to our esteemed Proprietor, the Nasrul–Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT), including the Board of Trustees, Executives, Council of Elders, Mission Board, Women of Al-Jannah, and the entire membership. Your unwavering support and vision continue to propel this university to greater heights.

We warmly welcome our Chancellor, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Pro-Chancellor, and the Chairman of the Governing Council, along with their distinguished members. We deeply appreciate their steadfast dedication to the progress and growth of this institution.

Additionally, I sincerely welcome our Royal and Imperial Fathers. Your enduring support and blessings remain a source of inspiration to us all.

I recognize and welcome the past Vice-Chancellors of Fountain University, whose vision and dedication have laid a solid foundation for the progress we celebrate today. Similarly, I extend a warm welcome to the Vice-Chancellors of our sister universities, whose presence signifies the spirit of collaboration and mutual growth within the academic community. I also appreciate the presence of my husband, Dr. Adegboyega Karim, and members of my family.

I would like to acknowledge, with deep appreciation, the dedication and invaluable contributions of the entire staff of Fountain University. Your unwavering commitment to excellence has been instrumental in shaping the successes we proudly celebrate today.

Finally, I extend a heartfelt welcome to all our distinguished guests who have graciously spared their valuable time to join us—both physically and virtually—in celebrating this auspicious and memorable occasion.

This morning, we gather with great pride and joy to celebrate the Class of 2023/2024 Fountainers across Diploma, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate levels. This occasion holds immense significance for the graduands, their families, and our university community as we come together to honour their remarkable achievements.

Your Excellences, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to present the summary of the graduands for this 14th Convocation Ceremony. A total of 346graduands will be conferred with various degrees and diplomas: 3 in Arabic, Islamic, and International Studies (DAIIS), 316 first degrees, and 27 higher degrees.

We take great pride in marking this year as the inaugural graduation of students in the Departments of Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science. For the Bachelor of Nursing Science programme, we recognize 1 graduand with Distinction, 33 with Credit, and 3 with Pass grade.

Among the first-degree graduands, 16 achieved First-Class Honours, 105 earned Second-Class Upper Division, 120 secured Second-Class Lower Division, and 38 attained Third-Class degrees.

To all our graduands, today stands as a shining testament to your perseverance, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Your success is the cornerstone of this joyous occasion, and we give all thanks to Allah for granting you this remarkable milestone. As beautifully stated in the Glorious Qur’an (Surah Al-Inshirah 94:6): “Indeed, with hardship comes ease.” Your journey reflects this divine assurance, as your steadfastness and efforts have culminated in this moment of triumph and celebration. May this achievement be a springboard to greater successes in your life.

As the inspirational author John Maxwell once said, “Success is not a destination; it is a journey.” Today marks a significant milestone on your journey, but it is not the end. Life beyond graduation will present challenges and opportunities alike, and it is your resilience, faith, and determination, which you have imbibed during your sojourn here, that will continue to shape your path. At Fountain University, we have not only equipped you with academic knowledge, but also with the moral compass and spiritual strength to navigate life’s uncertainties and complexities with grace and purpose.

Your parents, families, and society hold great hopes and expectations for you. We are confident that you will uphold their trust and honour the legacy of Fountain University. Be diligent in your endeavours, excel in your fields, and let your character and contributions reflect the high standards of this institution. May Allah bless your journey and grant you success in all your pursuits. Congratulations once again, and may your futures shine brightly.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, permit me to take a moment to express my profound gratitude to the extraordinary individuals and groups whose unwavering support and contributions have significantly enriched the journey of Fountain University during the 2023/2024 academic session.

First, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Proprietor of the university, NASFAT, under the visionary leadership of former President, Alhaji Niyi Yusuf and current President Alhaji Ayodeji Abdulwahid Abdulrauf. Your unwavering support continues to propel our institution forward.

Special recognition goes to our Chairman of the Board ofTrustees, Prof. (Mallam) Yusuf Olaolu Ali, SAN, for his steadfast support, particularly in funding the annual subscriptions for the Law Library. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Pro-Chancellor, Dr. A.W.A. Ibraheem, for awarding full scholarships to 84 students in the Arabic and Islamic Studies programmes, as well as additional scholarships to 13 brilliant yet underprivileged students. Our gratitude extends to our former Pro-Chancellor, Admiral Jubril Ayinla, for his annual ₦5 million scholarship benefitting 10 students.

We sincerely appreciate the extraordinary contributions of five philanthropists, the G5—Alhaji Yunus OlalekanSaliu, Alhaji Ayoku Liadi, OON, Alhaji Sheriff MojirolaYussuf, Dr. Kafayat Abdulrasaq, OON, and Alhaji (Dr.)Yinka Adeola –whose generosity has resulted in five landmark projects between 2019 and 2024. These projects include the Olalekan Saliu Hostel; Nimot LiadiHostel; the Alimi Abdulrasaq Academic (Triple A) Building, (College of Basic Medical and Health Sciences); Mojirola Yusuf Building (College of Arts and Education) and Adeola Hostel.

Our appreciation goes to Alhaja Wosilat Aregbesola for the ₦2 million annual scholarship supporting another 10 students. We deeply appreciate Alhaja Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga’s full scholarships for 11 students. Furthermore, we commend Alhaji Ganiyu Adekunle for sponsoring four students in Islamic Studies and Dr. SurajudeenAyoola for his scholarship benefitting 21 students. I express our heartfelt appreciation to the Yobe State Government for its generous ₦20 million donation in support of the university’s academic mission.

We thank the NASFAT Women, led by the former National Women Affairs Secretary, Alhaja SuwebatAduke Kupolati, for their generous donation of a 30-bed health centre, as well as Alhaja Hauwa Ahmed Dembofor her contribution of 10 beds to the facility.

Our appreciation goes to the Karim family for donating a 75-seater pavilion to the Nursing Science Department and to Chief Kola Karim, Agba-oye of Ibadanland, for the state-of-the-art ₦300 million Shoreline Energy International Academic Building commissioned yesterday. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Parents’ Forum for their generous contribution of two modern central kitchens worth ₦53.1 million for our student hostels.

We acknowledge Dr. Jumoke Opeewe-Ojo (USA) for donating practical materials to the Nursing Science Department. Special thanks to the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund and UKRI ISFP, United Kingdom, for the £82,805 grant for early cervical cancer diagnosis research and cutting-edge equipment worth £156,000, secured by Prof. Nusirah Afolabi-Balogun and Dr. Sarah Pensa of the University of Cambridge, UK.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the distinguished guest lecturers, keynote speakers, and lead paper presenters who have graced our events with their presence. These eminent personalities include Amb. Sarafadeen Tunji Ishola, former Ambassador to UK; Prof. Isa Ali Pantami, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy; Prof. Is-haqOloyede, FNAL, OON, OFR, CEO/Registrar of JAMB; Prof. Adenike Oladiji, Vice-Chancellor of FUTA; the late Fadeelatu Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello; Sheikh Dr. Imam Muhyideen Salman Hussein, Grand Imam of Offa; Dr. Folashade Ayoade, Secretary to the Government of Kogi State; Prof. Haslina Ibrahim, International Islamic University, Malaysia; and Prof. Saheed Ajayi, Lead Beckett University, UK, among others. Their contributions have greatly enriched our programmes.May Allah reward you abundantly for your noble contributions.

Your Excellences, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, allow me to use this auspicious occasion to celebrate some of our milestones since the last convocation ceremony.

We remain steadfast in our pursuit of academic excellence, with all our programmes fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and relevant professional bodies. Recently, the NUC approved five new undergraduate programmes in the College of Education; Food Science, and Library and Information Science programmes.

Our pioneer students in Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science achieved an outstanding 100% pass rate in their professional examinations, culminating in successful induction ceremonies. Additionally, our Accounting programme was reaccredited by ICAN, reaffirming its high standards.

Moreover, 37 students from the College of Law were inducted into the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators, exemplifying our commitment to equipping students with advanced professional skills and competencies.

Our groundbreaking research on early cervical cancer diagnosis, conducted in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, continues to make significant strides. Prof. Simiat Ogunbode’s work as a co-researcher on the microbial valorization of keratinous wastes, supported by a ₦25.6 million TETFund National Research Fund grant, showcases our commitment to advancing scientific discovery. Additionally, Prof. Abdulazeez Lawal of the Department of Chemical Sciences has been recognized among the top 2% of researchers by the AD Scientific Index 2025 and included in Elsevier’s World Researchers 2024 list.

Fountain University has solidified its global presence by becoming a full member of the prestigious Association of African Universities (AAU). Our enhanced partnership with INTI International University, Malaysia, and the imminent collaboration with the Islamic University, Uganda, further underscore our commitment to academic excellence.

The University recorded a remarkable 84% increase in student enrollment between the 2021/2022 and 2023/2024 academic sessions, with over 250 students now enrolled in postgraduate programmes. In support of academic excellence, we secured ₦46.06 million in scholarships from five generous donors for 155 students. Notably, all 84 students in Arabic and Islamic Studies programmes received full scholarships, reinforcing the university’s strong Islamic educational foundation.

Fountain University continues its transformative journey with notable advancements in infrastructure, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence and student welfare.

A larger Moot Court was constructed, accompanied by the expansion of facilities within the College of Law. The College of Natural and Applied Sciences and the College of Management and Social Sciences buildings were remodeled, appropriately furnished, and further enhanced with the addition of a 150-seater pavilion. The university also received a generously donated 75-seater pavilion for the Department of Nursing Science. Additionally, the Mass Communication Studio was completed to support academic and professional development in the field.

The laboratory complex was renovated and equipped with substantial new resources, further strengthened by an additional £156,000 worth of equipment from the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Research Fund. Theacademic complex, generously donated by Chief Kola Karim, stands as another significant achievement.

The university’s healthcare facilities were enhanced through the donation of a 30-bed health centre by NASFAT Women. The completion of the 128-bed spaces Adeola Hostel expanded the university’s housing capacity, providing improved accommodation for students. Furthermore, the Parents’ Forum contributed two modern kitchen facilities to the student hostels.

These developments collectively underscore Fountain University’s dedication to fostering a conducive environment for learning, research, and student welfare while laying a robust foundation for future accomplishments.

At Fountain University, we prioritize staff welfare and professional development as cornerstones of our success. To this end, we provide substantial support for staff pursuing advanced degrees and professional certifications. Remarkably, 13 staff memberssuccessfully earned Ph.D. degrees, while four completed Master’s programmes in 2024. Furthermore, the university actively sponsors staff participation in national and international conferences and workshops.

Fountain University continues to excel not only academically but also in sports, showcasing its commitment to holistic student development. At the 2024 Nigerian Private Universities Games, the university clinched 4 gold and 6 bronze medals, securing an impressive fourth place. Further demonstrating its athletic excellence, Team Fountain earned second place at the 2024 Osun State Inter-Collegiate Games with an impressive haul of 6 gold and 7 bronze medals.

Through our Centre for Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, we remain dedicated to nurturing innovation and practical skills among students. Tolulope John Adeyemo, a 500-level Nursing Science student, demonstrated this excellence by emerging as the overall winner and representative of all universities in Osun State at the final business pitch of the 2nd TEC-ASBE Innovation Summit 2025, organized by the African Support Bureau for Entrepreneurship, United Kingdom, on January 16, 2025.

Fountain University remains committed to nurturing both spiritual and intellectual excellence through impactful initiatives. The 2nd Walimat-ul Quran, held on Sunday as part of the convocation ceremonies, celebrated this dedication. Similarly, the 2nd Train-the-Trainer Course in Dawah and Dialogue, organized in partnership with the NASFAT Missionary Initiative, empowered final-year students with essential leadership skills to inspire faith-driven excellence. Our enhanced Madrasah programme and the establishment of a dedicated committee to embed Fountain virtues further underscore our mission to cultivate well-rounded individuals anchored in faith and enduring values.

Our alumni continue to make us proud, serving as beacons of inspiration for current students. The Class of 2023 Valedictorian, Sulaiman Mariam Eniola, received a fully funded fellowship to attend the TAU 2024 Global Conference in Washington, DC, in March 2024, where she shared her research findings from her final-year project. We are also proud to recognize the current National President of the Alumni Association, Mr. Shetima Adekeye, Chief Executive Officer, ObelobaFood Processing and Agroallied Trading Services. His work in the food industry significantly contributes to national food and nutrition security.

We extend our impact beyond academia through meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives. Notable efforts include the donation of a motorized borehole to the Oke Baale Police Station, Osogbo, the launch of health promotion programmes through the Department of Public Health, across ten communities in Osogbo, and cervical cancer screenings for over 200 women in Osun State.

Fountain University was honored with the Osun State Merit Award by His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) AdemolaJackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun State in 2024. This recognition celebrates the University’s exceptional contributions to the development of Osun State and its exemplary achievements in the education sector.

We face several challenges that require strategic attention and innovation. The need for infrastructure to keep pace with its expanding academic programmes, growing student population, and research initiatives demands significant investments. Financial sustainability amidst rising operational costs is another key concern. Additionally, the university’s land assets are threatened by encroachment from unscrupulous individuals, requiring robust legal frameworks, proactive monitoring, and collaboration with local authorities to safeguard its territory. The increasing demand for residential spaces also highlights the need for constructing new hostels and maintaining existing accommodations.

In response to these challenges, we are making a significant investment of ₦1.04 billion for five transformative projects marks a new milestone in the University’s development. These include a 30-room female hostel funded by the University and four donor-supported projects: a 500-seater lecture hall, a main gatehouse, a 300-system CBT center, and a 20-room male hostel. This commitment underscores our dedication to enhancing infrastructure and student accommodation.

Furthermore, the forthcoming launch of the Colleges of Computing Sciences and Engineering will mark a significant milestone in our academic expansion. These colleges will introduce cutting-edge programmes, including Data Science, Information and Communication Technology, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and Computer Engineering, among others.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as I draw to a close, I wish to express our profound gratitude to all our benefactors for their invaluable support throughout the year. On behalf of the staff and students of Fountain University, I extend our deepest appreciation to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of excellence that has propelled our university to greater heights.

Special acknowledgment is due to the various arms of NASFAT, the Fountain University Parents’ Advisory Council (FUPAC), the Fountain University Development Committee (FUDC), the University Board of Trustees, the Osun State Fountain University Development Forum(OSFUDEF), the Parents’ Forum, and our esteemed Alumni Association. Your steadfast dedication and inspiring contributions have been instrumental in our growth and success.

Once again, distinguished guests, thank you for your presence and active participation in the 14th convocation ceremony of our University.

Thank you, and Jazakumullah Khaeran. Fountain Leads, Others Follow

– Prof. Olayinka Ramota Karim
Vice-Chancellor, Fountain University, Osogbo

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