Elizade University to confer 964 degrees in combined convocation

Elizade University, located in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, is set to confer undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications on 964 students at its upcoming combined convocation. The ceremony, scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026, will mark the institution's 10th and 11th convocations. Professor Philip Oguntade, the Vice-Chancellor, disclosed these details during a press briefing held on Friday, November 6, 2026, where he outlined the activities planned for the event. The cohort of graduates includes individuals from the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic years.

Background

The Vice-Chancellor outlined the distribution of honors, noting that 884 undergraduate and 80 postgraduate awards are scheduled for presentation. Among the undergraduate graduands, 358 are from the 2024/2025 session, while 526 are from the 2025/2026 session. In terms of academic performance, 116 students achieved first-class honours, 398 obtained second-class upper distinctions, and 299 graduated with second-class lower degrees. Additionally, 69 students received third-class degrees, and two graduates were awarded pass degrees.

At the postgraduate level, the university will award 11 Postgraduate Diplomas, eight Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees, 40 master’s degrees, four Master of Laws (LLM) degrees, four Master of Engineering degrees, two Master of Philosophy degrees, and 13 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. Professor Oguntade noted that these results reflect the dedication of academic staff, the commitment of students, and the university’s adherence to academic standards and quality assurance. He emphasised that the institution aims to produce graduates equipped with intellectual ability, professional competence, entrepreneurial initiative, and ethical responsibility.

The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted recent administrative and regulatory developments. The National Universities Commission (NUC) granted full accreditation to six programmes following an assessment conducted in October and November 2025. The fields of study covered by these awards span Law, Accounting and Finance, Microbiology, Business Administration, Human Resource Management, and Computer Science. Additionally, the institution secured NUC authorization to launch an MBBS course after completing a favorable resource assessment. This new medical programme is intended to complement existing health-related disciplines such as Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science.

In the legal sector, the Council of Legal Education raised the university's intake for Law from 70 to 120 spots after a re-accreditation review in July 2026. The admission quota for Nursing Science was also increased. The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, is expected to deliver the convocation lecture.

Why it matters

The expansion of the university’s academic offerings, particularly the introduction of the MBBS programme, signifies a significant growth in the institution’s capacity to train health professionals in Nigeria. The increase in admission quotas for Law and Nursing Science indicates a broader acceptance of the university’s academic standards by regulatory bodies. The high number of first-class graduates suggests a strong academic performance within the student body. The involvement of the Chief Justice of Nigeria in the convocation underscores the national recognition of the event. These developments may influence prospective students considering higher education options in the region, as the university demonstrates its ability to secure accreditations and expand its curriculum to meet national needs in health and legal sectors.

What happens next

The combined convocation ceremony will take place on Friday, November 13, 2026. During this event, the 964 students will officially receive their degrees. Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun will deliver the keynote lecture. The commencement of the new MBBS programme is also a pending development that will impact future admissions and academic planning at the university.