Taiwo Ireoluwamide Oni has etched her name in history as the overall best graduating student of the University of Ibadan’s inaugural Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) class, earning an exceptional Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.93 out of 4.00.
The pioneer cohort of 88 graduands of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences celebrated their induction into the pharmacy profession in a ceremony that blended academic rigor, tradition, and inspiring personal stories.
A product of Bodija International School and Bodija International College, Oni’s brilliance has been a constant throughout her life. “She has always excelled, from primary to secondary school, and now at the university level,” said her father, Prof Omobowale Ayoola Oni of UI’s Department of Agricultural Economics.
He continued, “She consistently strives to achieve her best wherever she finds herself. My wife and I are very proud of her.” Oni is a twin, and her sister is set to be inducted into Veterinary Medicine later this month, highlighting a family culture of excellence.
In her valedictory speech, Oni reflected on a journey defined by perseverance, discipline, and faith. She recalled starting as 89 students and graduating as 88 after navigating personal challenges, school transfers, and a global pandemic. “Excellence has been a foundation in my life. University success was built on years of consistent effort,” she said.
Oni attributed her achievement to faith in God, the guidance of mentors and lecturers, and the support of her family and friends. She emphasised making excellence a habit in all aspects of life, from studies to daily routines, and maintaining consistent reading and preparation throughout the semester.
The ceremony also celebrated 25 other students who graduated with distinction and were inducted into the Dean’s Honour List. Among them were Grace Emenike (3.84), Olabimpe Oke (3.83), Onikepo Ojo (3.76), Chisom Okolie (3.74), Dolapo Atoyebi (3.73), Idris Adeniran (3.71), Ebunoluwa Oluwayomi (3.71), Ibukun Olasinde (3.70), Abel Atayi (3.68), Oluwapelumi Oyewusi (3.63), Victoria Adeniji (3.61), Ayomide Onilude (3.59), Zainab Salawudeen (3.59), Precious Iroko (3.58), Tofunmi Temitope (3.58), Flourish Ohia (3.57), Assumpta Nwakile (3.57), Deborah Obatoke (3.57), Majeed Adebayo (3.55), Fiyinfoluwa Ogundipe (3.55), Aunuoluwapo Afolabi (3.54), Ebunoluwa Tunde-Oguntade (3.54), Tolulope Ayoade (3.53), Hanifat Ande (3.51), and Azeez Adiatu (3.50).
Registrar of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed, congratulated Oni and her peers, stressing the importance of ethical practice, discipline, and completion of the one-year internship in accredited centres.
Professor Michael Odeniyi, dean of the Faculty, hailed the graduates as trailblazers equipped for patient-centred care, as the keynote speaker Prof. Olufunsho Awodele, Secretary General of the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, highlighted the need for pharmacists to embrace collaboration and technological innovation in modern healthcare.
Distinguished academics, including Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, former vice-chancellor of UI under whose administration the PharmD programme commenced, Professor Chinedum Babalola, immediate past vice-chancellor of Chrisland University, and former deans Prof Oluwatoyin Odeku and Prof Titi Fakeye, were present to witness this historic moment.
