The University of Ibadan (UI) in Oyo State is reputed for setting people up for success, according to alumna Mrs. Bola Olajomi-Otubu, CEO of the design and construction company Beige Spaces Limited.
She described the university as a foundational, “grilling and training ground” and a “refining fire.”
Speaking at the convocation of Class of 2025, Olajomi-Otubu shared her perspective, stating that the institution has been a part of almost every significant milestone in her journey so far, Persecondnews reports.
She said: “The University of Ibadan isn’t just another university; it is where my foundation for success was built, a training ground, and in many ways, the refining fire that set me up for success.
“I am a proud second generation alumnus. My father, HRH Prof. Amusat Titilayo Hassan, the Elesugbon of Esugbon, Obaruwa 1, retired Professor of Zoology, is a proud alumnus of this great institution and he spent his 40- year plus career here as well. Two of my three sisters are also Alumni. We can officially say UI runs in the family and I am a bonafide daughter of the soil.
“When I think about UI, I think of foundations ̶ strong, steady, enduring. As CEO of a construction and design firm, I know that any building that will stand tall must rest on the right foundation. Same with life. Our foundations are important, no, they are critical.’’
She said: “Distinguished Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, faculty members, proud parents, and the most resilient set of graduates in recent history ̶University of Ibadan Class of 2025!
“Let me start by saying congratulations. You made it! You survived four, maybe five, maybe six years; depending on how generous ASUU was with strikes during your time. But you’re here today, radiating success that comes after perseverance.
“As I stand here today, my heart is full because this is home. This university holds my earliest memories, my oldest friends were made here in the university staff school, Abadina College and the Department of Psychology. Some of them are in this room today as proud parents, distinguished faculty, administrators and even Deputy Vice chancellor.
“The late nights reading by rechargeable lamps, the sacrifices that made today possible, the friends who became family, these are not random memories. They are your foundation stones. UI has taught you to endure, to question, to hopefully think critically, and sometimes, to improvise.
“Let me tell you something i learnt about building structures, building anything, it’s not just about cement and bricks or the resources you have, it’s about faith. Life after UI will test your resolve and determination to build your dreams. There will be days when your plans collapse like an un-reinforced bungalow. There will be seasons of delay, disappointment, or doubt.
“In those moments, remember your foundation ̶ and the lessons you learned within these great walls. Have faith in yourself and pick your self up.
My journey has been full of such tests. I have gone from Psychology graduate to Human Resources professional, to now being a bricklayer ̶ quite literally!’’
On her career trajectory, Olajomi-Otubu recalled how she transitioned from loosing a job to being an employer of at least 60 professionals.
“From loosing a job to building a new career, employing close to 60 professionals. That’s how strong the foundation this university gave me is.
“I can rebuild, pivot, or completely change my path, because I went through the Great Walls of this university and carried the lessons with me. Building a business in Nigeria sometimes feels like mixing concrete with a spoon,’’ she said.
Shifting to a spiritual theme, she stated: “You will wonder, ‘Who sent me?’ But each time I choose faith over fear, I see grace at work. Faith in God has been my compass, my concrete, and my confidence. I have learned a few lessons along the way; practical wisdom I would like to share with you and hope you carry into this next season of life.”
Olajomi-Otubu counseled: “Choose the hard and the right, over the easy and the quick. Real success isn’t microwaved or instant noodles. It is slow-cooked, like smoky jollof rice. Good things take time. It is old fashioned, not popular, but true.
“Be still in the midst of chaos. The world is loud, especially social media, where everyone seems rich, flawless, and on vacation in the Maldives. Loud is not always right. Likes or follows does not equal true and tested. Eloquence is not equal to integrity. Don’t let social media pressure you into performance.
“Be careful what you put out there on the internet. Remember the internet does not forget. Stillness is power. Learn to be still. It is a valuable skill. Believe me, I learnt it the hard way.
“Build, don’t just hustle. Anyone can hustle; Following every new trend to make the next few bucks. Like shaft in the wind, they are constantly blown away. Few can build. Build character. Build relationships. Build something that lasts longer than you. Build legacy. The good book says a good man or woman leaves an inheritance for his/her children. It was not just talking about money or property. A good name, legacy, goodwill. Build, don’t just fall in to the trap of hustling.
“Community is currency. Your network is more than your LinkedIn contacts, it’s the people who’ll stand with you when things fall apart. People who will mention your name in rooms your feet can not enter yet. Open the right doors that pull you up steep ladders. Treasure them.
“Diversity makes you stronger. Surround yourself with people who see the world differently, who challenge your intellect and assumptions. Life is richer when you embrace perspectives beyond your comfort zone. Challenge stereotypes. Look further than your ladder of inference. Lean into the multicultural experience you have had in this institution.
“Life is not fair. You will not always get what you deserve or want. Sometimes, that’s a blessing. Other times, the answer to your prayers will be silence or “No.” Find purpose so you stay
anchored through the tough times. Please remember life in Nigeria doesn’t throw lemons. What is that? Lemons Like how? In Naija, life throws pepper ̶ pepper pro max ultra! So learn to make pepper soup on your way to greatness. Resilience and mental toughness is essential.
“Greatness does not come from a place of comfort or softness. Soft life is a myth that only exists on Instagram. Result of mediocrity is hard. Journey to success is hard, Choose your ‘hard’ wisely. We all have different times and seasons. Just because the basket can not hold water now does not mean it cannot carry the harvest home later in the year. Remember that.
“Standing on Shoulders of Giants. There is a saying that goes “If i see far, it is because i stand on the shoulders of giants.” Today, we honor those giants, eminent UI alumni who lit the path before us:
“Prof. Wole Soyinka, the first African Nobel Laureate in Literature, who showed us that words can shake nations and that our stories matter.
Chinua Achebe, who taught us that when things fall apart, we must write our own narratives. Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, who redefined primary healthcare in Nigeria through activism and public service. Prof. Grace Alele-Williams, the first Nigerian woman to be appointed Vice-Chancellor of a university ̶ a trailblazer who made room for others.
“We see farther today because they stood tall yesterday. And you, Class of 2025, now join this proud lineage of extra ordinary giants. Remember the stock you have been fashioned from. You are the next generation of shoulders for others to stand on.
“Builders of the future. So, as you step out of this hall today, remember this: You are builders of dreams, of systems, of businesses, of nations. And every great structure begins with one decision to believe. Believe that your story matters. Believe that you can rise from pepper to purpose. Your purpose, your why, keeps you focused, anchored and also determines your how. Please find your purpose and keep it as your compass.
“Believe that your faith in God, your values, your integrity still count in a world that sometimes says otherwise. The future belongs to those who are bold, who build brick by brick, choice by choice, faith by faith. Those who dare to believe that impossible is nothing.’’
She charged the graduating class of 2025: “Go forth, may your foundations hold strong, your faith shine bright, and your future stand tall.’’
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