It was a beehive of activities yesterday on the main campus of the University of Ilorin, as the institution convoked a total of 6,625 graduands for its 28thconvocation ceremonies.

The breakdown of the table showed that 5,556 people graduated with first degrees while 1,069 came out with higher degrees.

City Rove recalls that the university, as part of activities marking the week-long 28th convocation ceremonies, on Monday awarded the degrees to the graduands from the Faculties of Arts, Business and Social Sciences, Communication and Information Sciences, Education and Science as well as Diploma, following the proclamation of the University's Chancellor and Dein of Agbor Kingdom, Dr Benjamin Ikenchuku Keagborekuzi 1.

In his address on the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor AbdulGaniyu Ambali, urged the graduands to be humble and dream big as they set for the herculean task ahead of them.

He also congratulated the graduands for their academic feat.

He said the university has baked the graduating students well, urging them to eschew any act could cause blemish to the beautiful image of the university.

Ambali said; "Some of you have talents. You have been in the exclusive club of the university scholars.

"You have made a first class, which 37 of you made the highest number in the University of Ilorin so far in a year.

"But it is not by your own power, it is by the grace of God, who gave you the talent. You do not therefore become arrogant; be humble, because it is not you really, it is God.

Then, there are some of you who even as students are famous. But it is people who talk or write about you that make you famous because there are many others who do better than you that are largely unknown.

"Therefore, you should be grateful to them. And you know that conceit is, you have to be careful because you only allow it to grow within you. Whoever is filled with conceit becomes full of ego till he bursts.

"I congratulate you on your achievement because it is not automatic that everyone that starts a race will finish it.

"To start a journey is good but to complete it is a feat. Nobody wishes to attend a university just to count the buildings and admire the lecture rooms though some people do just that.

"I congratulate your parents and guardians who have laboured and toiled to bring you to the height.

"It is your responsibility to appreciate and cherish them. You owe it a duty to remember them just as it is your obligation to remember the university that moulded you now and later in life", he admonished.

Like the University of Ilorin, I urge our graduands to dream big. Dream your dream because dreams come true.

"The university dream of 1976 has come true with the achievements of university but as I said last week, the peak is yet to be attained.

"The founding fathers of this university dreamt big and this is why the university is still striving to fulfill the dream.

However, the week-long event was brought to a climax yesterday with the award of Doctor of Philosophy in various disciplines, Masters Degrees and other Degree certificates.

The University's Chancellor, Dr Benjamin Ikenchuku, reminded the graduands of the challenges ahead of them after the compulsory service to the nation and congratulated them for the rare opportunity.

"I congratulate you, our proud recipients of degree diplomas and prizes for your diligence, patience and resilience without which the success we are celebrating today would not have been possible.

"As we celebrate with you, be reminded of the challenges ahead as you contend for gainful employment after the compulsory service to the nation.

"It is however my sincere hope that the solid education you have received here will prepare you for practical living outside the Ivory tower.

"We urge you to be good ambassadors of your alma mater and never be involved in any despicable acts in a bid to weather storm of life", the Delta State Monarch enjoined.