The University of Ibadan (UI) on Tuesday held its first virtual matriculation ceremony for over 7000 students admitted for the 2020/2021 academic session.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 4000 students were admitted for the conventional degree programmes while over 3000 others were for the Open and Distance Education (ODE) programmes.
Addressing the matriculants, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Adebola Ekanola, said the institution had to forge ahead despite the challenges occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic and the lingered industrial action by the unions.
He said this resulted in the scrapping of the 2019/2020 academic year.
Ekanola, who emphasised the position of pride that the institution occupied in Africa and Nigeria, charged the new intakes to be focused and disciplined.
“You need these virtues to successfully complete your studies.
“You need to continually remember that the distance between today’s ceremony and the Convocation ceremony is quite long indeed, but by the grace of God and through your consistent hard work, your journey will end in resounding success for you all.
“I charge you all to be regular in attendance of your classes and shun deviant behaviour. I therefore urge you to resist any overtures to join groups that operate clandestinely and canvas or promote violence or deviant behaviour.”
The Acting Vice Chancellor said that a total of 4472 students were admitted for the conventional mode of studies out of which 4174 have been successfully cleared.
He added that the first semester would be done strictly through virtual learning platforms and no students were expected on campus until second semester.
In her matriculation address, Dr. Boluwatife Ikwunne, an alumna of the University of Ibadan, charged the matriculants on 10 principles that will guide them throughout their academic year.
Ikwunne, a 2020 Young Innovation Leaders Fellow and winner of the 2021 Rhodes Scholarship for West Africa, emphasised the importance of discovering their purpose in life, perseverance, humility and studying smart.
She also enjoined them to step out of their comfort zone and learn new skills as well as being deliberate about personal growth.
“Have a support group of serious minded friends that have similar aspirations as these will form the bedrock of support that will help you throughout your time here.
“Also, proper time management and prioritization would help you imbibe discipline. Do not wait till the last minute to turn in your assignment and start preparing for a test. It is true that proper preparation prevents poor performance.
“I would implore you to get involved in extracurricular activities but not at the expense of your studies. Do not let them take preeminence over your studies,” she said.