Thomas Adewumi University (TAU) Oko-Irese, in Kwara State, has insisted that its students must learn and master four United Nations (UN) languages before they can earn the degrees for which they applied.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Fransisca Oladipo, who spoke at the university’s sixth matriculation ceremony, said the school has set a new benchmark to place its students ahead in global competitions. She told the 967 new students christened: “Team Flourite” that graduation at TAU would be more than certificates: “it would be about global competence.”

She listed the UN languages as Arabic, German, French and Chinese.“Arabic for Business. Chinese for Trade. French for Diplomacy. German for Science and Technology.
These are not extras. They are your global passport,” Oladipo said.

Highlighting the institution’s Foreign Language Centre initiative, she emphasised that the requirement would prepare graduates for proper and effective competion in international arenas.

Prof Oladipo also reflected on TAU’s growth from just 66 students to its current ranking as fourth among 13 universities in Kwara State, sixth among 168 private universities in Nigeria, and 45th among 312 universities nationwide.

The Pro-Chancellor Prof Victor Olarewaju echoed these sentiments, urging students to embrace discipline, focus, effective time management, and the fear of God as foundations for success. “If you want to have a successful journey, you must be disciplined and responsible. Many students take this for granted, but the consequences can lead to suspension or even expulsion,” he said.

Founder and Chancellor Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi reminded students that brilliance alone does not guarantee success, warning against distractions from social media, encouraging them to develop skills that would make them job creators even before graduation.

“The future is not about certificates alone. It is about skills. People are asking, what can you do? Your skill will be your meal ticket,” he said.

He also praised national security efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting the relative peace on campus as a result of coordinated measures.