Embrace discipline, excellence, EKSU urges new students

Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, has urged 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 institution’s rules and regulations.

EKSU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatola Ayodele, who said the students had been admitted because they demonstrated the potential to succeed, urged them to convert the opportunity into tangible achievements through discipline, diligence, determination and hard work.

Ayodele, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Williams Adebayo, according to a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Monday by Omotayo Olatunde on behalf of the Head of the EKSU Directorate of Information and Corporate Affairs, spoke during the 2026 Bi-Modal Matriculation Ceremony for newly admitted sandwich students held at the EKSU Campus, Moba Grammar School, Otun-Ekiti.

The VC charged the students, “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.

“I 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,” Ayodele said.

The VC said the sandwich programme 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, adding, “Your experience in the workplace, your interaction with society and your responsibilities outside the classroom can enrich your learning experience.”

Ayodele charged the matriculating students 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 VC commended the Oore of Otun Ekiti, Oba Adekunle 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, assuring that EKSU would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to maintain its academic standards, discipline, values and traditions at the Otun-Ekiti campus.

In his goodwill message, Adeagbo urged the matriculating students to remain focused and avoid distractions capable of derailing their academic pursuits during their period of studentship.