BE GOOD AMBASSADORS, UNILAG VC CHARGES NEW STUDENTS

The Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, Akoka, Professor Adetokunbo Sofoluwe has admonished the newly admitted students of the university to be good ambassadors of their families and the university, even as he warned them to shun all appearances of evil capable of terminating their stay in the institution.

Prof Sofoluwe gave this advice while speaking during the 2010/ 2011 matriculation ceremony held Friday at the school’s main auditorium. He said the ceremony marked the beginning of a journey that requires determination, diligence, dedication and focus by the students.

He said a total of 7, 853 candidates out of 45,369 applicants who sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME and Post-UTME into the University of Lagos, were given provisional admission but only 6,400 candidates, representing 10% of the total applicants who met the registration requirements were registered.

The VC commended the students for their sacrifice, determination, hard work and perseverance which earned them the membership of the institution and urged to take their studies seriously. “I urge you to apply yourself diligently to your studies. Strive to be responsible citizens of this University so that you can contribute your own quota to the good name and image of this university.

“The journey, you must note, requires determination, diligence, dedication, and focus on your part. When you exhibit these qualities, surely, you will excel with accolades and graduate in flying colours. I wish to encourage you to distinguish yourself in your academics”, he appealed stressing that the University has a motivational package for students on Cumulative Grade Point Average, CGPA, of 4.50 and above.

The package include an annual endowment scholarship of fifty thousand naira, (N50,000), provision of accommodation in choice halls, fifty percent discount on bed space, nomination for participation in seminars and conferences, participation in recruitment tests in the final year, nomination for scholarship from external bodies on the request of organisations, among other incentives that would inspire students to do well in their studies.

The Unilag boss however, warned the students that poor academic performance, examination misconduct, internet fraud, violence, drug abuse or cultism could terminate their studies or sojourn in the University. “

The University pays premium attention to safety as well as security and has zero tolerance for crimes and criminals.”

Speaking further, Prof Sofoluwe disclosed that the University Management has established some quality assurance strategies to ensure that Unilag remains not just the center of excellence but the pride of the nation, ranked amongst the first one hundred universities of the world.

He said the institution has embarked on laptop for staff and students project, in partnership with Microsoft Incorporation Limited to empower staff and students of the University with ICT skills and capabilities for global competitiveness, and encouraged the students to avail themselves the opportunity of owning a laptop, which he said would enhance their learning process in the university system.

He also encouraged them to share their worries and challenges with the counselling unit of the school, register and patronize the school’s medical center and to avail themselves of the sporting facilities in the sports centers and other recreational facilities.