The Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology (FUTA), Akure, Prof. Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, has challenged students to aspire and become change-makers, innovators, or disruptors, driven by a desire to create a better world.
She also urged them to challenge conventional wisdom, push boundaries, and explore new possibilities.
Oladiji gave the advice yesterday, at the 7th matriculation ceremony of Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos.
Delivering the matriculation lecture titled: ‘The Central Place of University Education in Personal and National Development’, the vice chancellor stressed the importance of innovation, progress and continuous improvement, saying these celebrate individuals who are not satisfied with the status quo but strive relentlessly to make positive impacts.
She said university is the home of change-makers – the researchers, those who would never leave well enough alone. “By refusing to leave well enough alone, these individuals have led to countless breakthroughs and achievements in various fields, including science and technology, medicine and healthcare, social justice and human rights, environmental sustainability, education and innovation. Their relentless pursuit of excellence and improvement has made the world a better place. inspiring others to follow their footsteps.”
Oladiji tasked the students to challenge conventions and conventional posturing; pushing back the frontier of knowledge and resolve to make an impact on the society.
“You have the physical and mental energy to bring positive changes into our society. I want to implore you to be part of the change makers. The challenges facing our nation present an opportunity for you to manifest. Just as stars shine brightest on very dark nights, this hugely challenging season in our nation is an opportunity for the innovative and creative instincts in you to unfurl,” she said.
Speaking on attributes the students need to excel in school, the vice chancellor enjoined them to focus on personal development by embracing self-awareness, self improvement, goal-setting, mindfulness and well-being.
Oladiji also urged them to develop social skills, and embrace career development, emotional intelligence, physical and mental health, spiritual growth, financial literacy, creativity and hobbies.
Vice Chancellor, Trinity University, Prof. Clement Kolawole, said the institution admitted 565 students, representing an increase of 48.7 per cent of the number that matriculated last year.
According to him, that number represents a giant step forward in their short but impactful history as a university.
Kolawole said the school prides itself in producing students that are academically excellent, morally and ethically sound and entrepreneurship-focused, noting that there is no time to waste in the pursuit of inanities.
For students to achieve their goals, the vice chancellor advised them to avoid procrastination, peer pressure, embrace university regulations, shun alcoholism, drug injection, and distraction.
He said the university is set to run biochemistry, cyber security and courier logistics and supply management, from the 2025/2026 academic session.
