The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O Adebowale, has charged newly matriculated students of the institution to embrace discipline and prioritize excellence.

He gave the charge in his matriculation speech to the new students at the Matriculation ceremony for the 2024/2025 academic session.

Professor Adebowale noted that matriculation was not a mere ceremony but a rite of passage that symbolizes a formal admission into the university.

He said that transition from secondary school comes with implications and urged the students to imbibe the habit of engaging in independent learning rather than being ‘spoon – fed like secondary school students.

He warned that as undergraduate students of the University of Ibadan, they will be required to meet a high level of expectation from society.

He, therefore, admonished them to walk the path of excellence, which the university treasures.

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 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.

The Matriculation Lecture was delivered by Dr Olukayode Abiola Aiyenuyo, an alumnus of the University whose life journey has been marked by exceptional achievements. He graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in 2007.

Dr Aiyenuyo told the matriculated students that after spending years in the premier University of Ibadan, he came out better equipped to face life headlong.

Dr Aiyenuyo reiterated that a chapter had closed, and a new chapter had begun in their lives. He encouraged them to also seek God for a true path in life in order to achieve success.

The highlight of the matriculation ceremony was the administration of the Matriculation Oath to the students by the Registrar, Mr. Ganiyu O. Saliu.

The matriculants were expected to complete their induction with the signing of the matriculation registers and the validation of the Matriculation Oath by a court of law.

Credit – UI Directorate of Public Communication