National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Funmilayo Ojo
No fewer than 121 students matriculated on Friday, March 15, into various faculties of the Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan for the 2023–2024 academic session.
Speaking at the 6th matriculation ceremony held at the university hall in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Adejumo, charged the newly admitted students to be committed to their studies and work hard. So that they can be the best version of themselves, emphasising Ecclesiastes 7:8.
He said, “I want to congratulate the matriculating students for witnessing this occasion.
Today’s event marks the beginning of another chapter in the journey of your life. Permit me to state categorically that the fact that you are matriculating today does not guarantee that you will graduate. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:8, “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof.” To have a better end to your sojourn in PCU requires smart work, commitment, discipline, and prayers.
“The University, being a faith-based institution, is built on a two-legged vision: an institution of academic excellence and spiritual soundness. The university strives to be a world-class institution; therefore, it serves as a model of excellence that shall be different and unique, seeking to improve access and quality of higher education for all and consequently raise original thinkers, job creators rather than job seekers, men and women that will go out to impact their generation positively.
He warned the matriculating students to shun all forms of social vices, as this could hinder the smooth running of their academic programme.
“Let me emphasise that PCU has zero tolerance for every act of indiscipline, misconduct, and all forms of examination malpractice. Determine to be the best version of yourself by the time your programme is completed. You must not do anything that will disturb the peace of the institution; resist every evil peer group influence that may truncate or cut short your journey in this institution; shun all social vices; and embrace peace and harmony.
“Let me assure you that we are keen to build an institution that you will be proud of. We will not leave any stone unturned in providing you with the necessary facilities as well as a conducive environment that will help you to concentrate and achieve success in your studies. This is not to say that there may not be one challenge or another, but together we will weather the storm and come out better. We are committed and prepared to take you through the path of life, to make you fulfil your dreams and aspirations, and to help you become very successful and great. You must begin to see yourselves as potential leaders of today and tomorrow,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor, however, congratulated the parents and guardians of the matriculants for enrolling their children at PCU and called on parents to trust their wards with the institution to invest and produce the best from the students.
“We desire to produce graduates who will blaze the trail wherever their feet touch. We call on you to trust us to do what will always be in the best interest of the students.”
The matriculation lecture, entitled ‘Escape from the Prison called Drugs’, was delivered by Dr. (Mrs) Bibilola Oladeji, a consultant psychiatrist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
The extensive health talk featured the negative uses of drug addiction or any chemical substance abuse and its side effects. Likewise, the causes and effects of alcohol on adolescents and most undergraduate students in the country.
Dr. Oladeji urged the matriculating students to seek help if they found themselves indulging in any negative vices that could pose a problem in the future.
The students were later led in the matriculation oath-taking by the registrar, Mrs. Morenike Afolabi.
