By Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta
The Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, National Assembly, Abuja, Rt. Hon. Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, has rewarded three orphaned students graduating from the Department of Law at Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, with ₦500,000 each in recognition of their academic achievements and determination to succeed despite growing up without parental care.
Isiaka also donated ₦500,000 to the university in appreciation of its role in educating and nurturing the students, bringing his total financial support to ₦2 million. The law graduates received ₦1.5 million collectively, while the institution received ₦500,000.
The lawmaker announced the financial rewards during the university's 18th convocation ceremony, held to celebrate the academic achievements of graduating students and confer first degrees, postgraduate degrees, diplomas, certificates, prizes and honorary degrees on deserving recipients for the 2026 academic session.
Speaking at the ceremony, Isiaka explained that the decision to reward the three graduates was informed by their determination to pursue their educational ambitions despite the challenges associated with growing up in orphanage homes without parental care and support.
According to him, their academic accomplishments demonstrated courage, perseverance and a strong commitment to achieving their dreams, notwithstanding the difficulties they had experienced in life.
He noted that the students deserved special recognition because they had overcome significant personal challenges to complete their university education and prepare themselves for professional careers.
Isiaka further observed that their decision to study law was an indication that they had identified a purpose for their lives and were prepared to contribute to correcting societal ills through the legal profession.
He urged the graduating lawyers to see their academic achievement as an opportunity to make meaningful contributions to society, uphold justice and defend the rights of vulnerable people. He also congratulated them on their success, expressing confidence that the university would remain proud of their accomplishments.
"To be a barrister is not a mere profession that someone can toy with," Isiaka said, stressing the importance of seriousness, integrity and commitment in the practice of law.
He encouraged the graduates to approach their chosen profession with a sense of responsibility, reminding them that society expects legal practitioners to uphold the rule of law, promote justice and contribute to national development. He added that their backgrounds should not limit their aspirations or prevent them from achieving greatness.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Professor Ibrahim Garuba, urged the graduating students to become worthy ambassadors of the institution wherever their careers and future endeavours might take them.
Garuba advised the graduates to remain steadfast in the face of challenges, noting that life after university would present new responsibilities and demands requiring determination, discipline and resilience.
He encouraged them to apply the knowledge and moral values acquired during their studies to overcome obstacles and distinguish themselves in their respective fields.
The Vice-Chancellor also emphasised the importance of upholding the university's reputation for academic and moral excellence, urging the graduates to demonstrate integrity, professionalism and respect for the values upon which the institution was established.
Crescent University, Abeokuta, was founded by the late jurist and former President of the International Court of Justice, Judge Bola Ajibola, SAN, CFR (1934–2023). The institution is known for its guiding philosophy of being a citadel of academic and moral excellence.
A major highlight of the convocation was the outstanding performance of students of the Bola Ajibola College of Law (BACOLAW), where 44 graduates completed their Bachelor of Laws (LL.B. Honours) programme during the 2026 academic session.
Of the 44 law graduates, 12 obtained First Class Honours, while 20 graduated with Second Class Honours (Upper Division). The remaining 12 graduates earned Second Class Honours (Lower Division), reflecting the range of academic achievements recorded by the graduating class.
The convocation ceremony celebrated the achievements of the graduates across various academic programmes and recognised the contributions of individuals and institutions to education and human development. Isiaka's intervention also underscored the importance of encouraging students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their ambitions and contribute positively to society.
The financial support to the three law graduates and the university added a humanitarian dimension to the celebration, highlighting the value of recognising academic excellence alongside personal determination. For the beneficiaries, the gesture represented encouragement as they prepared to begin the next chapter of their professional lives.
The ceremony concluded with renewed calls for the graduating students to uphold the ideals of Crescent University, demonstrate the highest standards of professional conduct and use their education to serve humanity. For the three beneficiaries, the recognition from Isiaka served as an additional motivation to pursue their legal careers with purpose, integrity and dedication.
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