The Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti, Professor Joseph Babatola Ayodele, has charged newly-admitted students of the institution’s sandwich programme to regard their matriculation oath as a solemn commitment to academic discipline, integrity, responsible citizenship and strict adherence to the university’s rules and regulations.
Professor Ayodele gave the charge at the 2026 bi-modal matriculation ceremony for the sandwich students, held at the EKSU campus, Moba Grammar School, Otun-Ekiti.
Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Williams Adebayo, the Vice-Chancellor urged the students to see their admission not as the end of an ambition but as the beginning of a demanding academic journey.
He said the students had been admitted because they demonstrated the potential to succeed, urging them to convert the opportunity into tangible achievements through discipline, diligence, determination and hard work.
‘Your admission is not a destination; it is the beginning of a journey. What you do with the opportunity before you will determine the quality of the destination you eventually reach,’ he said.
The vice chancellor also cautioned them against being discouraged by the challenges associated with university education, noting that they might encounter difficult courses, demanding assignments, examinations and competing responsibilities.
‘I, therefore, encourage you not to be intimidated by the challenges that may arise during the programme. There may be difficult courses, demanding assignments, examinations, competing responsibilities and moments when you may feel discouraged.
‘When such moments come, remember that success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out. Remain focused. Keep moving forward. Seek help when necessary, learn from your mistakes and never lose sight of the reason you began this journey,’ he said.
Speaking on the philosophy behind the sandwich programme, Professor Adebayo said it was established to provide teachers, professionals, workers and other members of the working population with opportunities to acquire university education while pursuing their careers and other responsibilities.
He urged the students to turn their working experience into an academic advantage rather than regarding it as a disadvantage.
‘Your experience in the workplace, your interaction with society and your responsibilities outside the classroom can enrich your learning experience,’ he said.
Adebayo charged the matriculants to make excellence, integrity and responsibility the three pillars of their academic journey, while advising them to use their time wisely and remain willing to learn from their lecturers and fellow students.
He further appealed to them to uphold the reputation of EKSU and avoid conduct capable of undermining the values and traditions of the institution.
The deputy vice chancellor commended the Oore of Otun-Ekiti, HRM Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, the people of Otun-Ekiti, and the management and staff of Moba Grammar School for their cooperation and support for the University’s activities in the community.
He assured the people that EKSU would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to maintain its academic standards, discipline, values and traditions at the Otun-Ekiti campus.
In separate goodwill messages, the Oore of Moba Land, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, and the President of Egbe Omo Otun Ekiti, Elder Ezekiel Olalere, urged the matriculants to remain focused and avoid distractions capable of derailing their academic pursuits during the period of their studentship.
The bi-modal nature of the ceremony enabled newly admitted students from affiliated institutions to participate virtually.
Among the participating institutions were the Federal College of Education, Okene, Kogi State; Ipere College of Education, Agyaragu, Nasarawa State; Moje College of Education, Erin-Ile, Kwara State; and Topmost College of Education, Ipaja, Lagos State.
The ceremony was attended by principal officers of the University, including the acting registrar, Mr Olukayode Akindele; the Bursar, Mrs Janet Ojobanikan; and the University Librarian, Mrs Aduke Aboyade, as well as other dignitaries from the Faculty of Education and the Directorate of Continuing Education Programmes.