The Vice-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Professor Ganiyu Olatunji Olatunde, has advised the newly admitted students for the 2020/2021 academic session to make the best use of the opportunity given them to study in the University. He urged the students to gladden the hearts of their parents and guardians by facing their studies and shunning all anti-social activities.
Prof. Olatunde, who declared that the University has zero tolerance for cultism, indecent dressing, crazy hairdos and other anti-social behaviour, admonished the new students to operate within the approved code of conduct of the institution and also abide by its rules and regulations in order have successful academic sojourn.
The Vice-Chancellor gave the admonition while declaring open this year’s Orientation Programme for Freshmen held on Monday, 31st May 2021 at the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Lecture Theatre, Main Campus of the University in Ago-Iwoye. The event spanned through Monday, 31st May to Wednesday, 2nd June 2021.
In his address, Prof. Olatunde congratulated the students for scaling the hurdle of admission into the University to study their various courses of choice. He informed them that they were lucky to be among the over 7,000 applicants that gained admission into OOU out of about 20,000 candidates from various parts of the country that applied for admission.
The Vice-Chancellor, who noted that registration was an important and necessary process of studentship in the University, enjoined the fresh students to quickly complete their registration so that the institution can issue them with Identity Cards upon their matriculation. According to him, any student that fails to register stands the risk of losing his or her studentship.
Prof. Olatunde explained that the orientation ceremony was organised to acquaint the new students with the rules and regulations governing their studentship in the University. “The philosophy of this University is to give useful learning to the students who will be encouraged to cultivate a worldview that facilitates only the continuous pursuit of academic and moral excellence but also to develop your expertise and competence in reducing the quagmire of society – diseases, ignorance and squalor,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that OOU has been known for excellence, adding that the University Management had already put in place an improved learning environment, decent hostel accommodation, efficient security system and robust healthcare facilities, among others, towards enhancing the general welfare and well-being of the students.
He said, “As students, you are advised to face your studies and desist from engaging in anti-social activities. The University has zero tolerance for cultism, indecent dressing, crazy hairdos and other anti-social behaviour. These are not tolerated in this University and there are very stringent rules to nip this anti-social behaviour in the bud, and these include suspension and expulsion from the University.
Make the best use of the rare opportunity given to you. Face your studies for it is by so doing that you can make yourself happy and also gladden the hearts of your parents.
I will like to enjoin you all to apply yourselves to the primary purpose of your coming here. As you shall be passing through this University, let the University also pass through you in a positive way so that you can be complete persons that can fit into and make meaningful contributions to our society.”
Speaking against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, Prof. Olatunde counselled the students to always observe the protocols of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) towards containing the spread of the deadly virus. He warned that laid down disciplinary actions, including two weeks of community service and suspension from the University, might be brought against anyone found violating the advisory protocols.
“The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on human activities all over the world cannot be over-emphasized. On our campuses, we enforce strictly the use of face masks, regular washing of hands or use of hand sanitizers, social distancing, etc to contain the spread of this deadly virus and in line with the protocols of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control. You are enjoined to observe the protocols of COVID-19,” he stressed.
The Vice-Chancellor also revealed that as part of efforts to ensure social distancing in the University, arrangements have been made for lecture rooms to be filled to 60 percent capacity while large classes will be taken online. He added: “The University has invested huge sums of money on smart boards and internet facilities as well as human capital development to ensure that the quality of our lectures is sustained and really improved upon in the cause of limitations imposed by this pandemic.”
Prof. Olatunde enjoined the new students to go through the Students’ Handbook where the various rules governing the course system were explicit. He further urged them to consult their Course Advisers, Faculty Officers, Heads of Departments, Deans of Faculties and the Provosts of Colleges for explanation on grey areas.
Thereafter, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Deji Agboola, took over proceedings of the programme as the Chairman of the Orientation Session where the new students were given lectures on selected topics.
The Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. M.A. Arikewuyo, delivered a lecture on “The Concept, Purpose and Challenges of University Education.” He stated that the purpose of University education was for the development of high-level manpower within the context of the nation’s needs, adding that it was also meant to place a premium on entrepreneurship so that students can become job creators rather than job seekers after their graduation.
In his paper presentation on the topic, “The University Students and the Community: Code of Conduct, the Rights, Privileges and Limitations,” the Registrar, Mr Femi Ogunwomoju, called on the students to observe strictly the rules and regulations governing academic programme and abstain from anything that may bring the University into disrepute.
The Registrar also urged the students to respect and obey constituted authorities of the University and maintain the property of the institution, stressing further that they are restricted from using the name of the University for fraudulent transactions.
While noting that students are forbidden from engaging in any form of examination malpractice, Ogunwomoju said the University shall deal promptly with any reported case of violation of its code of conduct.
The Chairperson, Students’ Disciplinary Committee (SDC), Dr (Mrs.) Olatundun Oderinde, while speaking on “Sex, Drug and other Anti-Social Behaviour,” advised the freshers not to abuse their new-found freedom. She identified sexual misconduct, drug abuse, examination malpractice, cultism, stealing, indecent dressing, assault, bullying, internet fraud as well as overspeeding and dangerous driving as some of the offences that could bring students before the SDC.
“Students have a lot of freedom in the University but this freedom is not without limitations. Your conduct while on campus and in your various hostels is very important. You are expected to behave well. The SDC plays a vital role in the maintenance of discipline in the campus. The Committee considers complaints or allegations received against students, conducts hearings on alleged infractions of University rules and recommends sanctions. Once you are of good behaviour, you don’t have any reason to visit the SDC,” Oderinde submitted.
Other topics discussed during the three-day Orientation Programme included “Students’ Welfare Services in a University System” delivered by the Acting Dean, Directorate of Students’ Affairs, Dr Moruff Oladimeji, while Prof. A. J. Abosede, Director, OOU Ventures, treated the topic “Understanding the Course Unit System and Requirement for Graduation in the University System.”
Other various Heads of Units and Directorates that were rendering support services for academic sustenance equally delivered papers to educate the students and familiarise them with how to get along in the University System.
