UI Convocation and Foundation Day Ceremonies Schedule for 2026; The University of Ibadan (UI) has released its programme for the 2026 Convocation and Foundation Day ceremonies. The events will run from 3 to 17 November 2026.
The programme features business and career fairs, a health rally, academic lectures and six days of convocation ceremonies. It also includes postgraduate and honorary degree awards and the Foundation Day service.
The main convocation activities will begin on Wednesday, 11 November, at the university’s International Conference Centre.
Activities Before the UI Convocation Ceremonies
Tuesday, 3 November: SME Fair, Day 1
The first day of the SME Fair begins at 9:00 a.m. at the International Conference Centre.
The theme is “Scaling Emerging SMEs for Global Impact: From Innovation to Sustainable Growth”.
Mr Kingsley Aigbokhaevbo, Deputy Managing Director of Providus/Unity Bank, will deliver the keynote address.
Wednesday, 4 November: SME Fair, Day 2
The second day of the SME Fair begins at 9:00 a.m. at the International Conference Centre.
The event will continue under the theme “Scaling Emerging SMEs for Global Impact: From Innovation to Sustainable Growth”.
Professor Ruth O. Adio-Moses will deliver the keynote address. She is from the Department of Peace, Security and Humanitarian Studies, Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan.
Thursday, 5 November: Career Fair
The Career Fair begins at 9:00 a.m. at the International Conference Centre.
Its theme is “From Lecture Halls to Boardrooms: Preparing UI Graduates for The Workplace”.
Dr Jeff Bordes, CEO of Astria Learning, will serve as the keynote speaker.
Friday, 6 November: Jumat Service
The Jumat service will hold at 1:00 p.m. at the University of Ibadan Mosque.
Sunday, 8 November: Night of Music
The Night of Music is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at Trenchard Hall.
Monday, 9 November: UI-RF Event
The UI-RF event begins at 9:00 a.m. at Trenchard Hall.
Its theme is “Advancing Adolescents and Youth Health in Africa through Science, Innovations and Co-created Policy Options”.
Professor Babatunde Lawal Salako will deliver the keynote address. He is a former Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research.
Tuesday, 10 November: Health Rally, Exhibition and Rehearsal
Three activities will take place on this day:
- 9:00 a.m.: The health rally will hold at the International Conference Centre.
- 11:00 a.m.: The University of Ibadan Convocation Exhibition will take place at the Institute of African Studies.
- 3:00 p.m.: The convocation rehearsal will hold at the International Conference Centre.
The rehearsal is for university management, provosts, deans, faculty officers and Ceremonial Committee members.
University of Ibadan Convocation Ceremonies by Date
Wednesday, 11 November: First-Degree Ceremonies, Day 1
The first day of degree ceremonies begins at 10:00 a.m. at the International Conference Centre.
The university will award first degrees to graduands from the following faculties:
- Arts
- Science
- Basic Medical Sciences
- Clinical Sciences
- Public Health
- Dentistry
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Pharm. Olayemi Oladiran will deliver the commencement address. He is the Chief Operating Officer for English-Speaking West Africa at Groupe Ethica.
Convocation Lecture I
The first convocation lecture will take place at 4:00 p.m. in Trenchard Hall.
Its title is “Funding, Freedom and the Future of the Nigerian University”.
Dr Olayiwola F. Fatona, FNMGS, FNAPE, will deliver the lecture. He is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited.
Thursday, 12 November: First-Degree Ceremonies, Day 2
The second day of first-degree ceremonies begins at 10:00 a.m. at the International Conference Centre.
The university will award first degrees to graduands from these faculties:
- Agriculture
- The Social Sciences
- Veterinary Medicine
- Technology
- Law
- Economics and Management Sciences
- Renewable Natural Resources
Mr Kayode Aloyinlapa will deliver the commencement address. He is the Founder and Managing Director of Askariot Homes Ltd.
Friday, 13 November: First-Degree Ceremonies, Day 3
The third day of first-degree ceremonies begins at 10:00 a.m. at the International Conference Centre.
The ceremony covers graduands from the following faculties:
- Education
- Environmental Design and Management
Mr Folajimi Olambo Fakoya will deliver the commencement address. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of EdutechPortals Solutions.
Saturday, 14 November: Postgraduate Ceremonies, Day 4
The fourth convocation day begins at 10:00 a.m. at the International Conference Centre.
The programme includes the award of postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees and Master of Philosophy (M.Phil.) degrees.
The postgraduate diploma and master’s degree ceremonies cover the following faculties and institute:
- Arts
- Education
- Veterinary Medicine
- Technology
- Economics and Management Sciences
- Renewable Natural Resources
- Environmental Design and Management
- Multidisciplinary Studies
- Institute of Education
Evening Theatre Performance
An invited-guests-only command performance will take place at 5:00 p.m. at the Wole Soyinka Theatre.
The performance is Twingle Twangle: A Twynning Tayle, written by Femi Osofisan and directed by Olusegun Michael Olabode.
Sunday, 15 November: Foundation Day Service
The Foundation Day service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. at the Chapel of the Resurrection.
Monday, 16 November: Postgraduate Ceremonies, Day 5
The fifth convocation day begins at 10:00 a.m. at the International Conference Centre.
The programme includes postgraduate diplomas, PAULESI master’s degrees, master’s degrees and M.Phil. degrees.
The master’s degree ceremonies cover the following faculties, institutes and school:
- Science
- Basic Medical Sciences
- Clinical Sciences
- Agriculture
- The Social Sciences
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Law
- Public Health
- Institute of African Studies
- Institute of Child Health
- School of Business
The programme also includes postgraduate diplomas and master’s degrees from the Pan African University Life and Earth Sciences Institute (PAULESI).
Convocation Lecture II
The second convocation lecture will take place at 4:00 p.m. in Trenchard Hall.
Its title is “The Enduring Promise of Nigeria-Sierra Leone Relations: From Shared Origins to Shared Prosperity”.
Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Vice President of Sierra Leone, will deliver the lecture.
Tuesday, 17 November: Doctoral and Honorary Degrees, Day 6
The final convocation day begins at 10:00 a.m. at the International Conference Centre.
The programme features honorary degrees, doctoral degrees from PAULESI and the University of Ibadan, and the Doctor of Medicine degree.
Honorary Degree Awardees
The university will confer honorary Doctor of Science degrees (Honoris Causa) on the following individuals:
- Mr Kingsley U. Aigbokhaevbo, Deputy Managing Director of Providus Bank.
- Dr Olusola Adejoke David-Borha,
