A wonderful time at our first graduation ceremony of 2025!

Andrew Kolapo (Student Member of Council) with Malcolm Sweeting (Pro-Chancellor for the Open Univers

Andrew Kolapo (our Student Member of Council) joined our new graduates for the first OU ceremonies of 2025. Find out about the amazing time he had there...

On Friday, 28 and Saturday, 29 March, I had the privilege of attending the first Open University graduation ceremony of 2025, held at the iconic Barbican Centre in the heart of London.

As a Council Member, it was an honour to stand alongside the Pro-Chancellor, University staff and esteemed guests to celebrate the incredible achievements of this year’s graduates. Their dedication, resilience and passion for learning were truly inspiring.

A particular highlight was hearing from two remarkable individuals who were awarded the Doctor of the University. Their stories were deeply moving, reminding us all of the transformative power of education.

This event has reinforced my own commitment to lifelong learning, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of a University that champions accessible, high-quality education for all.

Congratulations to all the graduates – your journey is just beginning!

Andrew Kolapo (Student Member of Council) with Malcolm Sweeting (Pro-Chancellor for the Open University) in the foyer of the Barbican Centre.Andrew Kolapo (Student Member of Council) with Malcolm Sweeting (Pro-Chancellor for the Open University) and Matt Staples (Associate Dean at The Open University) in the foyer of the Barbican Centre.