The newly-admitted students of the University of Ibadan(UI) have been enjoined to embrace discipline and prioritise excellence in their pursuit of tertiary education saying the new students now have the opportunity to learn under distinguished and experienced scholars.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O Adebowale, who gave the charge at matriculation ceremony for the 2024/2025 session said the new intakes are now part of a university that had produced numerous renowned scholars across Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.
Professor Adebowale noted that matriculation was not a mere ceremony but a rite of passage that symbolises a formal admission into the university, describing the students as champions, who were selected from the best of the best.
He, therefore noted that transition from secondary school comes with implications urging the students to imbibe the habit of engaging in independent learning rather than being ‘spoon -fed’ like secondary school students.
The VC disclosed that out of the 22,000 candidates who sought admission into the University of Ibadan, 4,650 were offered provisional admission, while only 4,215 were cleared to be students of the University of Ibadan.
He warned that as undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan, they will be required to meet a high level of expectation from the society, hence, he admonished them to walk the path of excellence, which the university treasures.
He then charged the matriculants to be resilient, strive for distinction in their studies, character, and extracurricular engagements; prioritise excellence, embrace discipline, leverage opportunities, uphold integrity and contribute to UI’s legacy.
Delivering the matriculation lecture was Dr Olukayode Abiola Aiyenuyo, an alumnus of the institution, who testified to the matriculants that he came out better equipped to face life headlong after spending years in the university, noting that a chapter had closed, and a new chapter had begun in their lives.
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The highlight of the event was the presentation of an award to Dr Aiyenuyo in recognitions of his contribution to UI by the deputy vice chancellor (academics), Professor Aderonke Baiyerju, while he, in turn, as a show of support, donated a sum of N5 million to the institution.
The matriculation oath was administered to the students by registrar,of the institution, Mr Ganiyu Saliu.
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