By Gabriel Dike
•Students at the event
Babcock University (BU), Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State has matriculated 3,223 new students admitted for the 2023/2024 academic session, which is the highest by any private universities in the country.
The 25th undergraduate matriculation ceremony attracted parents and guardians from different parts of the country and was witnessed by officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), who confirmed that the admission exercise followed due process.
At the event, the Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Ademola Tayo said the institution dedicated to providing a topnotch education that would prepare the students for success in their chosen fields.
The university management used the occasion to present award of recognition to the student the highest UTME score, which went to Eke Kelvin Chiemela of the Department of Software Engineering with 349 while three students with the highest overall score in JUPEB programme 2023 with 15 points are Alade Oyinlolami Eunice of Department of Economics, Adebajo Oluwatomi Deborah, Department of Software Engineering and Bassey Saviour Edidiong of Department of Computer Science.
His words: “We seek to provide a learning environment that encourages intellectual growth, creativity, innovation, and critical thinking while also nurturing personal development and ethical responsibility.”
Meanwhile, the VC used the opportunity to read the riot act to the 3,223 new students not to engage in any social vices throughout the duration of their programmes.
Tayo added: “Your choice to study at BU is a clear indication that you believe in the quality of teaching and learning being offered here, and are poised for an exciting academic experience. Thank you for your confidence in us.
“Our faculty comprises accomplished scholars and practitioners who share a passion for teaching and research, and we take pride in offering a rich and diverse academic experience that combines theory and practical learning.
“I encourage you to take full advantage of the opportunities available to you during your time here. Immerse yourself in your studies, engage in meaningful research, join student organizations, participate in extracurricular activities, and most importantly, make lasting connections with your peers and faculty members.
“You have chosen a great institution to pursue your academic dreams, and I am confident that you will thrive, both academically and personally, during your stay here. We assure you that we will uphold, protect and ensure your peaceful stay in this university.’’
He assured parents that Babcock University is poised to produce great minds and legends in various fields of expertise, stating, “our graduates who are out their pulling their weights and rubbing shoulders as key players with notable other key actors on the political, social and economic scenes came here, discovered their potentials, honed their skills and fulfilled their dreams.”
The VC further stressed: “Like them, there is greatness that lies within each of you. If you are ready we are here to help you to unlock the greatness in you and unleash you to the world to make the world a better place than you met it.“
Prof. Tayo urged the new students to find their purpose, set their sights on excellence from now and work tirelessly to achieve it, be deliberate about their personal growth, make conscious efforts to apply themselves to learning; not just to pass your examinations, which are important, but to attain skills that would help them in the future.
In addition, the VC charged them to set their own standards, don’t live by another’s standards- standards set by some unknown persons on social media. He tasked them to work to attain goals that they set for themselves.
He reminded the students that campus life enables them to learn not only knowledge but also attitudes, noting, “our campus enables you to share viewpoints and learn different norms and tastes. Take time to ask yourself: How will I live my life? What kind of person should I be? The values you set for yourself and the intellectual, emotional, and cultural assets that you accumulate should support you throughout your lifetime.”
Tayo informed the students that the university remains a platform for self-directed learning, with needed guidance from faculty members in their respective discipline and stated that their future is dependent upon how much they take advantage of the platform.
The VC advised the fresh students to abide by rules and regulations of the institution and participate in activities of the university. He tasked them to be committed to their studies and justify their selection out of thousands, who wanted to come and study at BU.
He warned them that BU has zero tolerance for drug abuse, sexual misconduct, exam malpractice and other social vices, noting that any students found wanting would be expelled.