The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adetokunbo Babatunde Sofoluwe has administered the Matriculation Oath on the newly admitted 5,920 students of the University of Lagos, for the 2009/2010 academic session.

The ceremony took place on Friday, February 5, 2010, in the Main Auditorium, Main Campus, Akoka.

The Vice-Chancellor congratulated them for their admission and urged them to be beacons of academic and moral excellence of the University. He urged them to ensure that the existing peace on the three campuses of the University is maintained.

In attendance were all Principal Officers of the University, Provost of the College of Medicine and Deans of faculties among other officers of the University.

Below is the full text of the Vice-Chancellor’s speech:

My Dear Matriculants,

It is with great pleasure that I attend this unique occasion of the 2009/2010 matriculation ceremony of the University of Lagos.  This is my first appearance in any of the Matriculation ceremonies of our great University as the Vice-Chancellor.

Matriculation is one of the highly treasured traditions of a university. The ceremony is significant in several ways:

·         First, it is only at Matriculation ceremonies that students offered provisional admissions are formally presented and declared bona fide students of the university.

·         Second, it is a ceremony at which fresh students are fully integrated into the academic community. 

·         Third, Matriculation ceremonies afford fresh students the opportunity of seeing and knowing the Principal Officers of the University

·         Finally, and at a more practical level, the ceremonies mark the climax of a series of activities designed to introduce fresh students to the University system and ensure that they derive the greatest benefits from the resources available in the University.  Indeed, it is a milestone in your academic career and development.        

Dear Matriculants, I congratulate you for being the lucky few to have been offered the opportunity of acquiring a University degree from the University of Lagos which today has occupied the enviable position of being the University of first choice and the nation’s pride.

This year, we are matriculating a total of 5,920 across the twelve (12) faculties of the University and the College. Nine of the twelve faculties are on the Main Campus, Akoka. These are the faculties of Arts, Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, Law, Pharmacy, Science and Social Sciences, while the remaining three are in the College of Medicine. These are the faculties of Basic Sciences, Dental Sciences and Clinical Sciences.

We have remained focused and committed to the philosophy and values of the founding fathers of this University since its inception in 1962/63 and also to current societal needs and global relevance. 

The guiding principle of this University has been to make meaningful impact on the developmental needs of the nation through the provision of quality university education.

Let me assure you that you will derive maximum benefits from the various courses being offered in this University, if you pursue your academic studies with necessary vigour and commitment.  You are enjoined to shun examination misconduct and other deviant practices of any kind. This University expects you to serve as shining models of exemplary behaviour and dedication to academic excellence.

PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE ON OUR THREE CAMPUSES

Over the years now, this University has enjoyed a peaceful micro-task environment for teaching, learning, research and service to humanity on our three campuses at Akoka, Idi-Araba and Yaba. I want to tell you that there is a significant correlation between peace and progress. Real progress is achieved where peace and stability is allowed to thrive. I want to warn you to desist from anything that will disturb the prevailing peace on our campuses.

WORKSTUDY PROGRAMME

As part of our strategy to keep our students positively occupied and healthy, we have here, at the University of Lagos, a work-study programme. The objective is to assist indigent students to earn money without disrupting their studies. Please contact the Counselling Unit of the Student Affairs Division to avail yourself of this opportunity.

LAPTOP FOR STAFF AND STUDENTS PROJECT

It is also my pleasure to inform you that last year the University of Lagos commenced a laptop for each staff and student project through a Partnership for Technology Access (PTA) with Microsoft Incorporation Limited. The programme is to empower staff and students of the University with ICT skills and capabilities for global competitiveness. For detailed information on how to procure your personal laptop at a highly affordable price and very flexible payment procedure, you can contact the Centre for Information Technology and Systems (CITS). A laptop will enhance your learning process in the University system.

THE BOTANICAL/ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS AND THE LAGOON FRONT

The Botanical/Zoological Gardens, University of Lagos, have Internet ports where you can safely surf the net with your personal laptop at almost no cost.

The University of Lagos’ Lagoon Front now wears new looks. Our plan is to transform it into a major tourist attraction and a world-class conference centre.

Present facilities at the Lagoon Front for research and relaxation include recreational centres and dedicated access roads. With the present state of the Lagoon Front, education, information and entertainment are provided in a serene and beautiful atmosphere.

We at UNILAG shall continue to set higher standards for the Nigerian education sector. Our objective is that major national policies on reforms shall unfold in this University. We shall continue to provide the platform for intellectual discourse of these positive policies.

Once again, let me congratulate you all warmly on this unique occasion and to wish you a successful academic sojourn in the University of Lagos.