Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, has graduated 1,843 students at its 2025/2026 convocation ceremony, with 371 undergraduates earning First-Class honours in a strong academic showing.
The figures were announced by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Anake, during his address at the ceremony on Friday, 30 October 2026.
According to the vice-chancellor, the graduating class comprises 1,655 undergraduate students and 188 postgraduate students, reflecting the institution’s continued expansion across different academic levels.
The 371 First-Class graduates represent approximately 22.42 per cent of the undergraduate graduating class, a figure the university described as a notable academic achievement.
188 Postgraduate Students Earn Higher Degrees
Beyond the undergraduate results, the university also awarded postgraduate qualifications to 188 students.
The group includes 17 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) graduates, 146 recipients of master’s degrees and 25 graduates of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme.
Anake congratulated the graduating students, attributing their achievements to personal determination, the commitment of academic and non-academic staff, and the university’s emphasis on high academic standards.
He said the institution’s responsibility went beyond awarding certificates, stressing the importance of developing graduates with the knowledge, character and competence required to contribute meaningfully to society.
Vice-Chancellor Challenges Graduates to Create Opportunities
Addressing the graduating class, Anake urged the students to apply their education to solving real-life problems, creating employment opportunities and contributing to national development.
He cautioned that success beyond the university would require more than academic knowledge, noting that graduates would be expected to demonstrate creativity, integrity, problem-solving skills and the ability to deliver value in their chosen fields.
The vice-chancellor encouraged them to remain committed to lifelong learning and responsible leadership as they begin the next phase of their lives.
He also acknowledged the contributions of parents, guardians, lecturers and university management to the graduates’ accomplishments.
Covenant University Highlights Global Rankings
Anake used the occasion to highlight the institution’s performance in international university rankings.
He disclosed that Covenant University was placed in the 801–1,000 band in the 2027 Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
He also said the institution ranked 49th globally and first in Africa, West Africa and Nigeria in the 2026 Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings.
According to him, the university intends to build on these achievements by strengthening teaching, research, innovation and collaboration with industry.
He stressed that the institution’s broader goal was to produce graduates whose skills remain relevant to society and whose research helps address practical challenges.
NUC Approves 16 New Academic Programmes
The vice-chancellor further announced that the National Universities Commission had approved 16 additional academic programmes for the university.
Among the programmes highlighted were Law, Medicine and Surgery, Mechatronics Engineering and Nursing Science, alongside other courses across relevant disciplines.
The expansion is expected to broaden the university’s academic offerings and create opportunities for students seeking professional training in different fields.
Anake said the institution would continue working towards producing graduates who could not only secure employment but also establish businesses and create opportunities for others.
He congratulated the Class of 2025/2026, urging them to uphold excellence, diligence, integrity and service as they take their knowledge into the wider world.
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