The University of Ibadan (UI) is more than a higher institution — it is a launchpad for greatness, according to Mrs. Bola Olajomi-Otubu, an alumna of the institution and chief executive officer of Beige Spaces Limited, a design and construction firm.
Speaking at the Class of 2025 convocation ceremony, Olajomi-Otubu described UI as a foundational “training ground” and a “refining fire” that has shaped every significant milestone in her life, both personally and professionally.
“The University of Ibadan is not just another university. It is where my foundation for success was built. It is a training ground and, in many ways, the refining fire that set me up for success,” she told the audience.
A proud second-generation alumna, she noted that her father, HRH Prof. Amusat Titilayo Hassan — the Elesugbon of Esugbon, Obaruwa I, and a retired Professor of Zoology — is also an alumnus who spent over four decades at the institution. Two of her sisters are graduates of UI as well.
Drawing from her professional background, she likened UI’s impact to the strength of a building’s foundation. “When I think about UI, I think of foundations that are strong, steady and enduring. As CEO of a construction and design firm, I know that any building that will stand tall must rest on the right foundation. The same applies to life. Our foundations are critical.”
Addressing the chancellor, vice chancellor, faculty members and graduating students, Olajomi-Otubu congratulated the Class of 2025 for navigating academic hurdles and disruptions. Returning to UI, she said, “felt like coming home,” recalling her childhood years in the university staff school, Abadina College, and the Department of Psychology, where she formed lasting relationships.
She reflected on the sacrifices, late-night study sessions and friendships formed along the way, describing them as “foundation stones” upon which the graduates must now build. She encouraged them to draw strength from the resilience instilled in them during their time at the institution.
Sharing her journey from psychology graduate to human resources professional and later to construction entrepreneur, she recalled losing a job before rising to lead a company that now employs nearly 60 professionals. “That is how strong the foundation this university gave me is. I can rebuild, pivot or completely change my path because I carry the lessons I learned within these great walls.”
Olajomi-Otubu underscored the importance of “faith” as a core requirement for building anything meaningful. She urged the graduates to expect challenges and setbacks. “Life after UI will test your resolve. There will be days when your plans collapse like an unreinforced structure. In those moments, remember your foundation and the lessons you learned here.”
She added that her faith in God remains her compass and encouraged the graduates to choose courage over fear, patience over haste and discipline over shortcuts. “Choose the hard and the right over the easy and the quick. Real success is not instant. It is slow-cooked like smoky jollof rice. Good things take time.”
Warning against the distortions of social media, she said: “The world is loud, especially online. Loud is not always right. The internet does not forget. Stillness is power.”
She urged the Class of 2025 to prioritise character, relationships and legacy over fleeting trends. “Anyone can hustle, but few can build. Build something that lasts longer than you.”
Olajomi-Otubu further emphasised the value of community, diversity of thought and resilience, acknowledging that life in Nigeria often comes with unique challenges. “In Nigeria, life does not throw lemons. It throws pepper, pepper pro max. Learn to make pepper soup on your way to greatness.”
Referencing UI alumni such as Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti and Prof. Grace Alele-Williams, she described them as “giants” whose legacies continue to inspire. “We see farther today because they stood tall yesterday. You, the Class of 2025, now join this extraordinary lineage. You are the next set of shoulders for others to stand on.”
She concluded by urging the graduates to step confidently into the world as “builders of the future,” grounded in purpose, faith and integrity. “Believe that your story matters. Believe that you can rise from pepper to purpose. Your purpose will be your compass.”
“Go forth. May your foundations hold strong, your faith shine bright and your future stand tall,” she charged.