Another milestone was recorded at Olabisi Onabanjo University on Wednesday, 6th March, 2019 when about 6500 freshmen swore to the Matriculation Oath to formally begin their programme of study in the University effective from 2018/2019 Academic Session at the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Lecture Theatre, Main Campus, Ago-Iwoye. The Oath swearing exercise which was led by the Registrar of the University, Mr Olufemi Ogunwomoju was climaxed by the formal admission of the freshmen as students of OOU with all rights and privileges by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ganiyu Olatunji Olatunde.
In his opening address, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the new students for scaling through the hurdles of pre-and post-qualifying examinations and the registration procedures, while also appreciating their parents and guardians for the support and logistics provided for the admission secured. He thereafter urged the freshmen to shun acts such as cultism, gangsterism, and examination malpractices which could bring the names of their family and the University into disrepute. According to him, OOU is one of the leading Universities in Nigeria where good character and learning are impacted on students and yet motivating them to develop their competences and expertise in their various callings thereby giving them the chance of becoming specialists in their chosen profession.
While speaking on the readiness of the University to provide qualitative education in a very conducive learning atmosphere with stable academic calendar for the new and existing students in the University, Prof. Olatunde remarked that the University Governing Council, Senate, and the Management had consistently enhanced the development of facilities and equipment that would improve quality teaching and learning, adding that vital educational experiences would be provided for the students and the public, through excellence in research, creative activities and service to the community, state, nation and the world at large. The Vice-Chancellor also disclosed that the University management had upgraded the University Website to enhance its visibility and optimal performance with other functional ICT facilities.
However, amidst funfair and ecstatic display within and outside the venue of the Matriculation ceremony, the new students were seen to be filled with undiluted spirit of fulfilment, having been successful in the first leg of their quest for University education in a first class citadel of learning.
Suffice to note that Matriculation Ceremony is a sessional event that signifies the formal admission of freshmen as students of the Institution and the approval of their membership of the University with all rights and privileges appertaining thereto, having satisfied all admission requirements and duly registered for further activities in both academic and non-academic units of the University.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Deji Agboola, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Ebun Oduwole, University L i b r a r i a n , D r. A d e b a m b o Oduwole, University Burar, Mr. Semiu Makinde, Provosts and Deans, Heads of Department, and other University functionaries. Highlight of the breakdown of the freshmen on the basis of Faculties are Arts – 730, Admin. and Mgt. Sciences – 839, Basic Medical Sciences – 527, Education – 1302, Law – 198, Pharmacy – 107, Clinical Sciences – 82, Science – 1026, Social Sciences – 673, Agric. Sciences – 469, Engineering & Environmental Studies – 586.
