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Beyond Certificates: Hammed Charges UI Students to Build Character for Career Success

Mr. Ibrahim Hammed, a digital finance expert, has charged students of the University of Ibadan to cultivate strong character and practical skills beyond academic qualifications.

Hammed made the call during the inaugural Alumni Personality Lecture of the University of Ibadan School of Business (UISB), held on Saturday, 11 July 2026.

The lecture, titled "Beyond the Certificate: Building Characters that Open Doors," marked the commencement of the School's Alumni Personality Lecture Series, an initiative aimed at reconnecting students with distinguished alumni to foster mentorship, leadership development and stronger industry engagement.

Delivering the lecture, Hammed stressed that lasting professional success depends not only on academic qualifications but also on integrity, competence and trustworthiness.

He urged institutions to strengthen collaboration with industry, adopt more case-based teaching methods and equip students with practical problem-solving skills.

Representing the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, the Director of the University's Research Management Office, Professor A. S. Jegede, commended the School of Business for introducing the lecture series.

He said the initiative would strengthen mentorship, deepen industry engagement and contribute to producing responsible business leaders.

The Acting Head of the Department of Business, Entrepreneurship and Executive Education, Dr. Siyanbola Omitoyin, said the lecture series would provide a platform for networking, mentorship, professional development and knowledge sharing among students, alumni and industry leaders.

Goodwill messages were delivered by the first Director of UISB and Africa's first Professor of Computer Science, Professor Adenike Osofisan; the Chief Executive Officer of Vanguard Pharmacy, Mr. Taofeek Odukoya; and the Chief Medical Director of ExxonMobil, Dr. B. J. Adekunle.

Members of the University of Ibadan Muslim Community and the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, University of Ibadan (MSSNUI), were also in attendance.