Augustine University: Providing integral university education for a borderless world

An address by the chancellor, Olufemi Otedola, CON, on the occasion of the 7th convocation ceremony of Augustine University on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

It is with profound joy, deep gratitude to God, and a strong sense of fulfilment that I stand before you on this historic occasion, the 7th Convocation Ceremony of Augustine University, Ilara-Epe. Today, we gather not only to celebrate the academic accomplishments of our graduands but also to commemorate a decade of remarkable progress, resilience, and the unflinching commitment of this University to its founding vision to provide integral education for a borderless world.

This year’s theme, “AUI @ 10: Fulfilling the Mandate of Providing Integral University Education for a Borderless World,” aptly captures the spirit of our celebration. Augustine University has, in its ten years of existence, grown from a humble beginning into a centre of learning that stands tall among faith-based and private universities in Nigeria. It has stayed faithful to its mandate of nurturing the intellect, forming character, and inspiring service to humanity.

Over the past ten years, Augustine University has demonstrated that true education goes beyond academic instruction. It encompasses the formation of the whole person, intellectually, morally, and spiritually. In a rapidly changing global landscape, the University continues to equip students with the knowledge and values necessary to thrive in a world without borders. I am glad to hear that our graduates are increasingly making their mark in various spheres of life; as professionals, innovators, and change agents who reflect the ideals of their alma mater.

Indeed, some of our alumni have become employers of labour, contributing meaningfully to national development through entrepreneurship and leadership in their chosen fields. Others have pursued higher degrees, with several now holders of Master’s and Doctoral degrees in reputable institutions within Nigeria and beyond. Their stories, achievements, and contributions reaffirm that Augustine University is truly fulfilling the divine mandate upon which it was established, to nurture minds, build character, and produce men and women who serve God and humanity with excellence and integrity.

This 7th Convocation Ceremony is uniquely significant because it coincides with a season of new beginnings for our University. Only last month, we welcomed the assumption of office of our 3rd Substantive Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Professor Anthony Alaba Akinwale, OP, a distinguished scholar, priest, and administrator of great repute. His appointment marks the dawn of a new chapter in our University’s history, one defined by intellectual rigour, spiritual depth, and institutional excellence.

On behalf of the Proprietor and the entire University community, I congratulate the new Vice-Chancellor and assure him of our full support as he leads Augustine University into its second decade of impactful existence. We are confident that under his leadership, the University will consolidate its gains, expand its academic frontiers, and strengthen its role as a model of Catholic higher education in Nigeria and beyond.

Today’s ceremony is also marked by the inauguration of the 2nd Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Dame Winifred Akpani . Her emergence as Pro-Chancellor signals continuity in visionary leadership and commitment to good governance. I extend my warmest congratulations to her and commend the Governing Council for its dedication to the progress of Augustine University.

I  wish to sincerely acknowledge and appreciate the Proprietor of the University, His Grace, Most Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins, whose pastoral leadership and steadfast faith continue to sustain the University’s mission. I equally recognise the vision and sacrifice of His Eminence, Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie, whose dream gave life to this institution a decade ago.

In respect of the Board of Trustees, I wish to welcome our new members on board who include my uncle, Very Rev Fr Julius Olaitan, who is also the Episcopal Vicar of the Lagos Region, Very Rev Fr Anthony Fadairo, the Episcopal Vicar Ikeja Region and Very Rev Fr Francis Anyanwu, the  Episcopal Vicar Badagry Region. I commend the existing Trustees, the chair of the Board of Trustees, Sir Steve Omojafor, the Very Rev Monseignor John Aniagwu, His Royal Majesty, the Alara of Ilara,  my sister Dame Sena Anthony and my brother Yemi Cardoso for their indefatigable work on the Board of Trustees of AUI over the years.

To the Governing Council, Management, Faculty, and Staff, I express my profound gratitude for your relentless dedication, your intellectual rigour, and your unwavering commitment to the ideals of this University.

I wish to also thank our benefactors and friends of Augustine University, especially Baba Chief …Bakare, for his immense contribution to the development of the Faculty of Law building and Senator Daisy Danjuma for her scholarship to 24 students of this University.  I thank you and all our Benefactors most sincerely for your continued generosity. Your support has been instrumental to our achievements and to the realisation of our expansion plans.

Today, we also celebrate our graduating students who will today receive their First Degrees, Diploma Certificates, and various prizes and awards. You have laboured diligently and persevered through challenges. You have emerged not only with academic laurels but with the values of integrity, excellence, and compassion, values that define the Augustine University experience. May I remind you that your journey does not end here. It begins anew, with greater responsibilities to your communities, your nation, and the world. Wherever you go, let your actions reflect the character and principles instilled in you by this great institution. Be global in outlook but local in impact; be courageous in conviction but humble in service. As you go out into the world, carry the values of the motto of our University Pro Scientia et Moribus be with you. Let your actions be guided by a commitment to excellence in all that you do, both in your personal and professional lives. Be a beacon of integrity, of kindness, and of service. Know that your education at Augustine University has prepared you to face the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and with grace.

As you leave here today, remember that you are not just representing yourselves, you are representing Augustine University and all that it stands for.

Finally, I wish to remind you that you will face new challenges in this phase of your life. This is why I am presenting to each of you today a copy of my internationally acclaimed best-selling book “Making it Big”. In total, I am donating 1000 copies of my book to each student of our university and all faculty members and management of the university.

To the parents and guardians of our graduating students, thank you for entrusting us with the education of your children. Your sacrifices have not been in vain, and today’s joy is as much yours as it is theirs.

In respect of the buildings for the Faculty of Engineering of our University. I notice that the first phase, named after my mother, Dame Doja Otedola, has been put to good use. It is true that the construction of the  Electrical Electronics Engineering block has suffered a significant delay. I wish at this junction to re-pledge my commitment to the Proprietor of the University and the  University community to build this block whose current construction cost, including furnishing, has escalated to almost N4 Billion due to inflation. I hereby announce that I have brought with me a cheque of N500 million, which I hereby present to the contractor.  Based on the time schedule of the contract, it is hoped that the construction of the building will be completed by the time of our University’s 2026 convocation.

Your Grace Ladies and Gentlemen the Contractor and I signed the contract for the construction of the Electronics Engineering Block this morning. I hereby announce my donation to the University of the Electronics Engineering Block at the cost of N4 Billion Naira.

Thank you and may God Almighty continue to bless Augustine University and each and every one of you. Thank you for listening.