…as school matriculates 7,000 fresh students
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Fasina Abayomi Sunday has announced the plan of the institution to commence academic programmes into the College of medicine by the next 2021/2022 academic session.
Prof. Fasina made the announcement on Friday during the matriculation ceremony of about 7,000 fresh students of FUOYE which held at the University main auditorium at phase one of the Oye-Ekiti campus.
Fasina, who was addressing the matriculating students as the fourth substantive Vice Chancellor of the university, said their matriculation ceremony heralds the official take-off of three additional (new) Faculties, namely Basic Medical Sciences, Environmental Design and Management and Pharmacy. He added that: “These attainments are no mean feat by any standards, considering the age of our university; more so the short time within which I assumed the mantle of leadership of the university (about 8 months ago). The import of this is that our university is on the right path, fulfilling one of its core mandates, as well as the vision and mission of its founder and funder, the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
While assuring the fresh students of quality higher educational services, the VC said: “To refresh our memory, at the heart of the establishment of the university lies the non-negotiable question of providing quality, higher educational services and accessibility to the country’s burgeoning youth population. Our university has been living up to this responsibility with the rapid expansion in the number of faculties and academic programmes. Consequently, the university has progressively established itself as a centre of attraction for prospective students across all the states of the federation. Little wonder that in the latest JAMB results, our university ranked as the fifth most subscribed university in Nigeria, with over 45,000 applicants, beating most first and second generation universities in the process.
Speaking further, Prof. Fasina appreciated the contributions of his predecessors to FUOYE’s growth, saying: “For a young university as ours, this is commendable. I must thank and congratulate all those who have made this possible within the shortest possible time: the University Governing Council under the leadership of Dr Lawan Yahuza, my predecessors as the VC of FUOYE, Deans and Directors, Heads of Departments and Units, Professors, all staff and students of FUOYE, friends of the university both at home and abroad; and of course, the university management team under my leadership.
“Our target is to consolidate on this momentum and never rest on our oars until our university becomes one of the leading academic institutions in Nigeria and beyond. This is pertinent because we are in the age of knowledge economy, where ideas and innovations drive development.
“Needless to say that solid academic foundational training is at the heart of these processes. And when I speak of knowledge production, I refer to universal, but context specific body of knowledge, relevant and applicable to our social formations, with the capacity to address our everyday developmental challenges in a sustainable manner. No nation develops in the absence of such knowledge. Little wonder that the Holy Book says in Hosea (4: 6) that ‘my people perish for lack of knowledge’.
“As you embark on this interesting but challenging adventure in pursuit of knowledge, not knowledge for its sake, but self development and the advancement of humanity, I urge you all to seize the opportunity this platform offers you to contribute to national development. On our part, we will always endeavour to provide you with an enabling environment to actualise your potentials.
“We have a responsibility to ensure you complete your studies within the stipulated time. This, of course, comes with its own responsibilities for both the students and the university. Both must work programmatically, collaboratively and sacrificially to make this happen. In making this commitment, we are not oblivious of certain extraneous variables outside our own control, including instability in academic calendar.
“As partners in progress, I urge the matriculating students of today to honour their matriculation oath and attendant obligations, most notably the payment of all approved fees and registration. Without these essential first steps, you cannot fully actualise your studentship. I commend those who have completed these processes and urge others at different stages to expedite actions,” he said.
Urging the fresh students to shun social vices, the VC sounded a noted of warning, charging the new students to:”…respect our rules and regulations and be diligent in your studies. Eschew all forms of social vices, including cultism, sexual harrassment, Advance Fee Fraud and Internet Fraud, aka 419, examination malpractices, indecent dressing, etc. Our university has zero tolerance for these and related social vices. Always consult the Students Handbook for guidance. I wish you all the best.”
Fasina also revealed certain efforts of the University in ensuring that indigent students have a sense of belonging. These efforts he itemised as the NICON Insurance Scheme for school fees payment from which almost 50 students have so far benefitted, the work study scheme which has just been put in place as well as encouraging the students’ leadership to support school fees payment of 25 new students who had financial challenges.
He also assured the new students of a well secured campus life, conducive and well equipped learning environment and a sexual harraassment free environment for the female students.
Among principal officials of the University who graced the August ocassion were the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Administration, Prof. Jeremiah Olusola Omotola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academics, Prof. Olusola Ojo, Acting Registrar, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim, Acting Bursar, Mrs. Omobola Debo-Ajagunna, University Librarian, Dr. Busayo Isaac, Coordinator of the Unified Tertiary matriculation Examinations (UTME), in Ekiti State, and the Acting Director of Academic Planning , Dr. Asogwa Chika as well as Deans of Faculties, Directors of various University Directorates and the Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Dosu Malomo, among other dignitaries.
