The former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, (Academic), University of Ibadan (UI), Professor Adigun Agbaje, yesterday made his first public appearance at the 74th Founder’s Day of the Premier University, about three weeks after he was rescued from kidnappers who abducted him among other travelers along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Agbaje, who was clad in a simple white attire, attended the ceremony with his wife, Dr Funmi Agbaje.
The professor of Political Science was kidnapped on Friday, October 29, 2022, kept in the forest for two days and was released on Sunday, October 30, 2022 after the payment of ransom.
According to the information gathered, while Agbaje was in the forest, he neither ate nor drank. After his release, he was taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical treatment.
His appearance to the amazement of all the attendees of the event put an end to the inquisitiveness of his loved ones who want to physically see him and ascertain his state of health.
He was among the cynosure of the event as many people took turn to congratulate him for cheating death while he was with his captors. Among those who were happy to see him is the Executive Secretary of National University Commission (NUC), Professor Abubakar Adamu Rasheed.
The abduction of Agbaje has further exposed the vulnerability of the nation’s security. Despite tracking the kidnappers and knowing where they were with their victims, security operatives could not confront the kidnappers to rescue the victims.
At the Foundation Day Ceremony, 153 candidates from various disciplines were awarded the Doctor of Philosophy Degree.
The breakdown is:
Faculty of Education – 29
Faculty of Arts – 24
Faculty of Agriculture – 22
Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies – 14
Faculty of Science – 12
Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences – 10
Faculty of Technology – 7
Faculties of Renewable Natural Resources & Law – 6 each
Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences – 5
Faculty of Clinical Sciences & Institute of African Studies – 4 each
Faculty of Pharmacy & Institute of Education – 3 each
Faculty of the Social Sciences – 2
Faculties of Public Health & Veterinary Medicine – 1 each
In his speech, the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale gave a breakdown of the undergraduate and master degrees graduands.
He said, “On Monday, 14 November, a total of 1,182 candidates received first degrees in the Faculties of Arts, Science, Basic Medical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Law, Public Health and Dentistry. On Tuesday, a total of 1,429 candidates were awarded first degrees in the Faculties of Agriculture, Renewable Natural Resources, The Social Sciences, Economics and Management Sciences, Education, Veterinary Medicine, Technology and Pharmacy. A total of 656 candidates were awarded first degrees from various Faculties under the Distance Learning Mode of Study while the Affiliated institutions also presented 1,929 first degrees graduands. On Wednesday, a total of 7 candidates were awarded MPhil, 622 earned academic Master’s Degree and 18 Professional Masters. In addition, 5 Postgraduate Diplomas were awarded.”
