The 15th convocation ceremony of Achievers University, Owo, drew a capacity crowd to the Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed Auditorium on Friday, where former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Olayiwola “Lai” Mohammed, delivered a keynote lecture titled “Innovate, Don’t Just Graduate.”
Mohammed, a legal practitioner who studied French at Obafemi Awolowo University before reading law at the University of Lagos, told the graduating class that innovation is a survival strategy.
“Whoever innovates will find their job easier,” he said, recounting how a series of career shifts, from academia to public service, were made possible by a willingness to reinvent himself.
He urged the 705 graduands – a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate students to view failure as part of the journey to success.
“Your life will not move in a straight line. You will change careers, you will fail, and you will reinvent yourself more than once,”
“Opportunities will appear where you least expect them, doors will shut and new ones will open. Through it all, innovation, courage and resilience will carry you.”
Mohammed highlighted his own trajectory as proof that a modest beginning can lead to high office:
“If a young man who once dreamed only of a postgraduate degree in French could later become Minister of Information and Spokesman of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, then anything is possible for you – but only if you stay bold, take risks and innovate.”
The lecture was preceded by remarks from the university’s founder, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, who reiterated that Achievers University does not “sell certificates.
”He noted the institution’s strict disciplinary measures, including rustication and expulsion of students of doubtful character, and announced a pioneering Faculty Board Rating system designed to encourage healthy academic competition.
The best‑performing faculty will receive N5 million, the second N2 million and the third N1 million at the end of each session.
Acting Vice‑Chancellor Prof. Oyesoji Aremu also spoke, announcing new certificate and diploma programmes that align with the university’s entrepreneurial and innovative agenda.
He explained that a nursing student, for example, could graduate with an additional qualification in French or Law, enhancing their career prospects.
The event concluded with the presentation of an award to Alhaji Lai Mohammed in recognition of his contribution to public discourse. Honorary doctorates (honoris causa) were also conferred on the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi; Ambassador Roland Omowa; and Mr. Folajimi Adetula.
The convocation ceremony, held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, marked the formal conferment of degrees on the 705 graduands, cementing Achievers University’s reputation for academic excellence and its commitment to producing well‑rounded, innovative graduates ready to make an impact both at home and abroad.
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