During the maiden matriculation ceremony at Aletheia University, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Amos Onasanya urged the university’s pioneering students to steer clear of cultism, substance abuse, and other destructive behaviours that could jeopardise their promising futures.
Addressing the 33 freshmen at the Senate Building Foyer on Saturday, Onasanya emphasised the importance of maintaining discipline and dedication to their studies.
The ceremony, which was attended by notable dignitaries such as Major-General Sansadeen Awosanya (retd.), Onikepo Akande, Senator Lekan Mustapha, and Adesegun Adekoya, highlighted the university commitment to fostering an ideal learning environment.
The Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdulrazaq Adenugba, and other prominent figures also graced the event.
Onasanya congratulated the new students, who were selected after a rigorous screening process, and encouraged them to make the most of the resources and support available at the university.
“You should count yourselves very lucky to be among the 33 pioneer students that made it out of the many that applied,” he said. “Face your studies squarely so as not to lose the golden opportunity of acquiring a university education.”
He further warned against involvement in social vices such as cultism, drug addiction, indecent dressing, and examination malpractices, stressing that these behaviors could derail their academic and personal growth.
“Everything that is required to make the students excel academically has been put in place,” Onasanya assured. “For you to succeed, you must be focused, committed to your studies, disciplined, and active participants in this University community.”
The vice-chancellor also revealed that Aletheia University aims to expand its academic offerings, planning to increase to six colleges and 32 academic programs within the next two years.
He commended the founder and Chancellor, Major-General Awosanya, for actualising the vision of the university and thanked the NUC and JAMB for their support.
Awosanya expressed his excitement at the matriculation of the foundation students, seeing it as the fulfillment of a dream.
He reassured the students that they made the right choice by joining Aletheia University and pledged his support to help them achieve their goals.
In a keynote lecture titled “Paradigm Shift in University Education: The Aletheia University Perspective,” former University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, urged Nigerian universities to innovate and enhance their academic programs to attract students in a competitive landscape.
He concluded by noting that students of Aletheia University will graduate with four certificates, including their degree, and certifications in ICT, entrepreneurial, and professional courses, ensuring they are well-prepared for the global market.
