… As students garland him for admirable performance
From WOLE BALOGUN, Ado-Ekiti
Vice-Chancellor of Federal University Oye-Ekiti, (FUOYE), Prof. Kayode Shoremekun has urged undergraduates in Nigerian tertiary institutions, particularly, those in FUOYE, to cultivate positive values, saying that is the only way to have a fulfilled life.
Prof. Shoremekun said youths must learn to take responsibilities and engage in productive endeavours that will prepare them for leadership roles in the future and cautioned that they must avoid taking short routes to achieve their dreams and goals in life as such leads to disaster.
He spoke during a mentoring programme, organised by FUOYE Students Union Government, (SUG), entitled: Impact of Values, which held at the main auditorium of the Faculty of Sciences, FUOYE main campus in Oye, Oye Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
The programme had some resource persons deliver motivational and inspiring lectures to build positive values into the students. The SUG chose the occasion to garland the V.C in appreciation of his sterling performance in raising academic standard, building infrastructures and providing huge learning facilities among others.
Urging the students to keep bringing up programmes that develop their leadership and positive attributes, the V.C said: ” I was curious about this programme and I asked from the Head of the Counselling unit who said that the programme was solely organised by the students. This shows that you are maturing into leadership position, where you do not need to be tele-guided and this also means that you are preparing yourself for the future.
” These are the kinda of areas we want the students to excel. Being independent minded, developing sound leadership and being responsible, it will prepare you for the future.
Today in FUOYE, no one supervises you, you are responsible for yourself. This responsibility is a privilege that you now have as adults. But for every privilege, there may be a down size and this has to do with your freewill: if you make good or bad choice, you will reap the reward. This reminds me of what the then Obafemi Awolowo University’s Vice Chancellor said while he counseled us as undergraduates many years ago , about campus life, which is that the only thing that is compulsory is nothing is compulsory, but whatever you sow as students, you will reap.
” What I am seeing here is commendable, showing that you are doing well. The challenges here will prepare you for the future.
And as much as possible you should imbibe certain progressive values.
” The theme of this event says, impact of values, l know it is essentially aimed at our young women, the female students, to help then adopt values and positions that will guide them here and after here. There is a need for women to maintain virtues, especially the young girls, in life, there are two options, the short and the Long runs.
The short run is very easy and seductive but it leads to disaster. The long run requires sacrifice, endurance and resilience and leads to fulfilment.
” I urge you to pay attention to whatever you are taught here today as it will help shape your character. As I welcome you to the new semester, I urge you to imbibe values of industry band commitment to your studies as that is the main reason you are here.
According to FUOYE Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Dosun Malomo, since Prof. Shoremekun has been the VC of the institution, the school has witnessed: ” a ceaseless season of transformations “.
Addressing the students, he said: “Among the peculiar features of the university is that it is the only one with two campuses. We can boast of more programmes, increasing students’ population, highly intellectual and capable lecturers, and administrative personnel compared to our peers.
“This is probably the only university among its peers, boasting of the faculty of Law, Pharmacy, Basic medical Sciences, and a Post Graduate School in less than 10 years of existence. The greatest of these achievements is that you all, wonderful students, are part of FUOYE.
” The university now has the capacity to admit over 5,000 admission seekers, given its rich facilities and this is why it is one of the most sought after of all its peers. The student population on campus now is over 600,000 and this brings development. You as students build this institution and we commend you for that. As pioneer students you will face challenges, which you must surmount. And you will succeed by God’s grace,” he said.
