‘Your Degree Depends on Character’: UI Sends Strong Message To Freshers at Orientation

The University of Ibadan has officially welcomed its newly admitted undergraduate students for the 2024/2025 academic session with a comprehensive two-day orientation programme aimed at integrating them into the academic and cultural life of Nigeria’s premier university.

Addressing the students, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, fspsp, emphasized that academic performance alone is not enough to earn a UI degree. He stated that character remains a fundamental requirement, as the university’s certificate is awarded based on “character and learning.”

Describing admission into the University of Ibadan as a rare privilege, Professor Adebowale noted that the institution only admits a select few from the thousands of applications it receives annually. He reaffirmed that the university’s admission process is transparent, objective, and rigorously competitive, in line with its tradition of excellence.

The Vice-Chancellor urged the freshers to make full use of the Kenneth Dike Library, which he described as one of the most resource-rich libraries in the country. He further reminded the students that registration is an important academic ritual, encouraging them to take it seriously as it determines their official studentship.

Professor Adebowale also encouraged responsible participation in campus politics, noting that students have the opportunity to engage in governance through democratic processes. He warned against involvement in cultism and advised students to join only registered clubs and organizations.

The orientation featured nine informative paper presentations from key university officials, including:

• “University of Ibadan: Sustaining the University Legacy” by the Registrar, Mr. G. O. Saliu
• “Financial Probity and Management of Students’ Funds” by the Bursar, Mr. Adewuyi Popoola
• “Security Alertness and Safety in a University Community” by the Ag. Chief Safety Officer, Mr. Lasisi Oyekanmi
• “Exploring Sports Beyond the Physical Well-Being” by the Ag. Director of Sports, Mr. O. K. Eyiomo
• “The Role of the Library in Building an Excellent University Community” by the University Librarian, Dr. Mercy A. Iroaganachi
• “The Ideal Student in a Competitive Learning Environment” by the Dean of Students, Professor A. I. Abiona
• “Hall Rules and Regulations: Defaulters; Nemesis” by the Warden of Kuti Hall, Dr. Babatunde Ojebuyi
• “The Role of the University Health Care Services” by the Director of University Health Services, Dr. Aderonke Ajav

As part of efforts to promote punctuality and neatness, the university recognized outstanding students during the event. The early bird awardees were Abiodun Regina Ojutiwon (Faculty of Law), Susan Ruth Umaholen (Department of English, Faculty of Arts), and Ejiro Caleb Afabor (Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science).

The best dressed students were also honoured: Aanuoluwa Olatunji (Faculty of Law), Temitope Esther Akinyinka (Faculty of Nursing), and Samson Timileyin Alaka (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine).

See also: The Guide Every UI Fresher Needs — For a Mind That Knows Is a Mind That Is Free