UI Graduates Receive Important Advice on AI, Integrity, Career Success
- Education techpreneur Folajimi Fakoya delivered the final commencement address at the University of Ibadan's 2026 convocation ceremonies
- Fakoya, CEO of Edutechportal Solutions and UI alumnus, warned graduates that professionals who use AI will replace those who do not
- Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olamakinde Olapegba also addressed the graduating class, with particular words for those entering the teaching profession
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Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering education in Nigeria and Africa.
Ibadan, Oyo State - The University of Ibadan's (UI) 2026 convocation ceremonies ended with a sharp call to action for newly minted graduates, as education techpreneur Folajimi Fakoya told them that embracing artificial intelligence and upholding integrity were no longer optional but essential to building a successful career.
Legit.ng reports that Fakoya, the Chief Executive Officer of Edutechportal Solutions, delivered the final commencement address on the third day of the convocation, speaking to graduands from the Faculties of Education and Environmental Design and Management. A member of UI's 2009 graduating class, he titled his address 'The Architecture of Success: Planning, Relationships, Technology, Execution and Humility.'
Source: UGC
On AI and staying relevant
Fakoya told the graduates that earning a degree marks a beginning, not an endpoint, stressing that continued learning and practical problem-solving would determine how relevant they remain in an increasingly competitive world. He pushed back against the notion that artificial intelligence poses a threat to workers, framing it instead as a dividing line between those who will thrive and those who will fall behind.
"AI will not replace you. But a person using AI will replace a person who is not. That is the truth of this era," he said.
At the same time, he cautioned the University of Ibadan graduands against leaning too heavily on the technology, describing it as a tool that should sharpen human thinking rather than substitute for sound judgement and personal character.
Drawing from his time as a student leader, Fakoya also encouraged the graduates to build on what others have already established, learn from experienced people and resist the urge to reinvent solutions that already exist.
Relationships, humility and giving back
On professional networks, Fakoya said the right relationships could unlock opportunities that academic qualifications alone could not provide. He advised the graduates to seek mentorship from those ahead of them, invest in their peers and support younger people who come after them.
He closed by linking humility and a willingness to accept correction to long-term professional success, warning against chasing achievements at the cost of health, integrity and meaningful relationships.
Source: Twitter
Earlier in the ceremony, UI Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olamakinde Olapegba charged the graduates to carry the values of academic excellence, integrity and innovation beyond the university gates. He called on them to use technology responsibly, contribute to society and remain connected to their alma mater. For those heading into the classroom, Olapegba was especially firm, urging them to treat teaching as a calling rather than simply a profession.
The University of Ibadan's 2026 convocation and 78th Foundation Day ceremonies ran from Tuesday, November 3 to Tuesday, November 17.
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Source: Legit.ng
Ridwan Adeola Yusuf (Current Affairs Editor) Ridwan Adeola Yusuf is a content writer with more than nine years of experience, He is also a Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State (2014). Ridwan previously worked at Africa Check, contributing to fact-checking research works within the organisation. He is an active member of the Academic Excellence Initiative (AEI). In March 2024, Ridwan completed the full Google News Initiative Lab workshop and his effort was recognised with a Certificate of Completion. Email: ridwan.adeola@corp.legit.ng.
Ridwan Kolawole (Oyo State Correspondent) Oyo state's regional correspondent Ridwan Kolawole has over a decade of journalism practice, covering politics, crimes/conflict, education, and social issues. For passion and knowledge mobilisation, Ridwan practices journalism and teaches it at the University of Ibadan.
