|
An address delivered by the vice-chancellor, Prof. D. O. Aigbomian, Ksm, Jp on the occasion of the 25th matriculation ceremony of the University on Wednesday, 12th March, 2008 at the new ultra-modern lecture theatre.
It is with great joy that I welcome you all to the ceremony marking the 25th Matriculation ceremony of our great University, today, 12th March, 2008.
This ceremony is the climax of the admission process of the University which began last year with the candidates writing the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations, undergoing the Post University Matriculation Examination screening exercise and the eventual admission of the successful candidates.
Such successful candidates are usually formally admitted into the University through the matriculation ceremony which we are about to celebrate at this gathering. Matriculation ceremony therefore marks the formal admission of candidates as bonafide students of a tertiary institution.
At today’s ceremony, the University will be matriculating 2,613 students across its various disciplines. This figure has continued to affect adversely the admission prospects of candidates seeking admissions into this University as well as the student population of the University. This is the reality of the moment. However, at the level of the state government and the university management, all is being done to reverse this trend. For the avoidance of doubt, the above figure consists of three sets of students: - those admitted through JAMB and the Post University Matriculation Examination Screening Exercise,
- those admitted through the Direct Entry into the 200 level, and
- those proceeding from the Foundation Programme of the University.
I wish to state that those of you matriculating today earned your admissions on merit considering the various strict processes. I, therefore wish to congratulate you for being able to secure places in the University in the 2007/2008 academic session. Over 15,000 candidates sought admission into this University from which only few of you have been found worthy to earn places in our University. You must therefore consider yourselves very lucky to have been part of the lucky few. You therefore deserve to be commended. I, again congratulate you, rejoice with you and your parents/guardians on this occasion.
This ceremony marks your formal admission into the respective programmes in this University. This is the much desired opportunity for you to fulfill your dreams and aspirations. You have begun a new orientation in life. You are in the process of forging new relationships with persons from diverse social-cultural backgrounds. Your academic horizon is certainly getting wider and wider and you are in the process of learning and knowing new authors and concepts in your respective disciplines. As fresh as all of you are, I implore you to be receptive of all the good things that could come your way either in the lecture halls or hostels.
The orientation programme for fresh students took place on Monday, 3rd through Wednesday, 5th March, 2008. From the programme of activities lined out, you have been taken through life on campus. The essence of the orientation programme was to acquaint you with your responsibilities, obligations and privileges as students of this University. I have no doubt that you have been greatly informed and enriched by the programme. Endeavour to live by all you learnt throughout the period of the programme.
As you all know, your primary assignment in this University is your academic pursuit. It is your level of commitment to your academic work that will determine the degree of your performance in all your examinations. I, therefore urge you not to allow any extraneous or peergroup influences to distract your attention from your academic work. Such influences can be counter-productive.
The University, like other responsible organizations, is governed by rules and regulations. These rules and regulations are to guide your conducts and activities in the University. There is the Students Information Handbook which serves as a guide and also contains all the information that a student needs to know about the University. These rules are not just cosmetic designs; they are meant to be obeyed. There are sanctions for violating them with a view to enforcing discipline in the system.
“The Ten Commandments”
As bona-fade students of this Great University, I implore all of you to, in addition to the Vision and Mission Statements of this University adopt the following “creed” or “commandments”:
- Say NO to cultism as it is an avenue to self destruction. Any group or Club or Association that is not on the list of registered Clubs or Associations in the University (you will find them in your Student Information Handbook) is Evil.
- Avoid Examination Malpractice. It is as evil as cultism.
- Prompt payment of your school fees personally and not by proxy. No excuses for non-payment of school fees shall be entertained as receiving lectures and writing of examinations shall not be done on credit or on compassionate grounds. The older students already know the position of the University Management on this subject-matter.
- Embrace the University Dress Code. You are expected to be decently dressed at all times as this will enhance your personality and respectability.
- Be time conscious. Attend your lectures and other University functions promptly.
- Be friendly with your Notice Boards and the University News Bulletin. They serve as your veritable sources of information. This would make you an enlightened and educated student.
- Learn to ask questions because ignorance is a SIN and therefore retrogressive and evil.
- Learn to be an effective Time Manager. Find time to recreate by engaging in one form of sporting activity or the other.
- Serve your Creator by fellowshipping with your friends and colleagues as the Fear of God is the beginning of Wisdom.
- Academic Excellence and High moral discipline should be your watchword. Each of you should aspire to have distinctions in your courses. Those of you who are politically inclined should engage in constructive student Unionism. Sustain and perpetuate this culture for which the University is known.
For your guidance some of the “dos” and “don’ts” of the University are enshrined in the Student Information Handbook. The Student Information Handbook is a recommended guide for all students of the University. It contains all information a student should know about the University.
It is our solemn resolve to train and produce men and women of strong character and integrity; men and women who can stand the test of time; men and women who will build a virile and just society. All these are encapsulated in the Vision and Mission of this University and they have served and will continue to serve as the tonic and driving force of this administration.
The University Authority has put in place machineries that will ensure comfortable life for all our students. Conducive and congenial teaching and learning environment has also been created in this University. It is our expectation that you will take advantage of these provisions to enhance your learning in this University. We certainly wish you all well and pray for your successes in your examinations and other endeavours in this University.
I wish to use this medium to announce to the public the excellent performance of the University in the NUC Accreditation visits to some of its programmes in November, 2007. Of the 31 programmes visited, 24 had Full accreditation status and 7 Interim accreditation status. No programme was denied accreditation. I also wish to use this medium to thank His Excellency, Senator (Prof.) O.A. Osunbor, KSC for the financial support to the University towards the exercise. The financial support facilitated the wonderful performance of the University. We are determined to improve on this achievement.
I also wish to place on record the very cordial relationship between the three labour Unions and the Students Union with the University Management. I announce with pride that as a result of this cordial relationship, the University has continued to have a smooth sail. We are determined to ensure that we continue to have hitch-free sessions.
Again, I congratulate you, your parents and the entire University community on this memorable and historic occasion of your matriculation as bonafide students of this University. May your stay in this University and the labour of your parents/guardians not be in vain.
Thank you and God Bless.
Prof. D.O. Aigbomian, KSM, JP
Vice-Chancellor |
