The Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede, has admonished the fresh students to work harder academically to succeed in order to justify their admission into the university.
Ogunbodede gave the advice at the Matriculation Ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife for 2021/2022 academic session on Monday.
He congratulated the new students for securing admission amidst 30,000 candidates that applied for the UTME and screening for the institution.
The don charged the matriculants to be determined for their success and imbibe the virtues of education.
He said that most people dream of acquiring university degree and necessary skills needed to lead an independent and self-sufficient life.
“Such dreams are often not achieved because of poor time management, bad association and procrastination of the academia.
“Therefore, utilise every minute allocated on campus wisely, avoid pitfalls of those whose perception of a university is that of a place of unlimited freedom without a corresponding degree of responsibility,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor asked the students to take time to learn self-management strategies that would ensure their smooth progression and graduation on time from the institution.
Ogunbodede, who conducted the last matriculation of his tenure, urged them to combine academic excellence with the culture of “Omoluabi”.
The VC charged them to learn and seek counsel from their highly qualified lecturers and take advantage of the student counsellors in the Student Affairs Division and Health Centre.
He warned them against students from other institutions who would want to lure them into social vices that rampant in the society.
“While you are at liberty to seek out and adopt credible methods of self-improvement.
“OAU frowned at all forms of anti-social behavior that are capable of disrupting the smooth running of the university and unnecessarily truncating or elongating the academic calendar.
“Therefore, we implore you to desist from such anti-social displays but only make choice of friends that will positively influence you and cultivate attitude that will lead you to overall success,” he said.
The VC reminded that OAU had zero tolerance for cultism, examination malpractice, violent behavior, flagrant disregard to constituted authority and all forms of sexual harassment.
“I will strongly advise that you steer clear of these deplorable behaviours and other similar vices in order to safeguard your partnership and ensure successful academic career.
The Guest Lecturer, Prof Anthony Kola-Olusanya, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Head, Research, Innovations and Partnerships, Osun State University, Osogbo, appealed to the freshers to be loyal to the oath taken and cooperate with the school for success at the end.
Kola-Olusanya congratulated all the new students and wished them outstanding success in their academic pursuit. NAN
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