Nigeria (Olabisi Onabanjo University) VC charges fresh students on self-discipline *As Varsity holds Orientation Programme
The Vice-Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, has advised the newly admitted students for the 2021/2022 academic session to imbibe self-discipline in order to be successful in the University. He urged them to abide by the rules and regulations governing their studentship in the institution and shun all anti-social activities.
The Vice-Chancellor gave the admonition while declaring open this year’s Orientation Programme for Freshmen held on Monday, 24th October, 2022 at the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Lecture Theatre, Main Campus of the University in Ago-Iwoye. The week-long event, which ended on Sunday, 30th October, 2022 featured different sessions where various speakers made presentations on how the students can get accustomed to the University System.
In his address, Prof. Agboola congratulated the students for scaling the hurdle of admission into the University to study their various courses of choice. He said they were lucky to be admitted into OOU, which he described as a citadel of learning with the commitment to provide quality and holistic education and training.
According to him, the orientation ceremony was organised to acquaint the fresh students with the rules and regulations governing their studentship in OOU. He harped on the importance of timely registration, urging the students to complete their registration in a record time so that the institution can issue them with Identity Cards upon their matriculation. He warned the new students against cultism, examination malpractice, indecent dressing, crazy hairdos, keeping bad company and engaging in other anti-social behaviours. He charged them to always operate within the approved Code of Conduct of the University and equally comply with its rules and regulations in order to have hitch-free academic sojourn.
In order to be able to operate effectively towards the achievement of set goals in the University, the Vice-Chancellor declared that students are entitled to some inalienable rights, adding that the students too owe the University some obligations in exchange for the privileges that the institution offers.
Prof. Agboola enjoined the freshmen to always obey constituted authorities and treat all University properties, either provided for their use or not, with care. According to him, OOU students must abstain from doing anything whatsoever that can bring the name of the University into disrepute or embarrass its authorities.
He said, “Students are restricted from using the name of the University for fraudulent transactions or engaging in acts capable of bringing the University into disrepute. Students are restricted from taking custody of University properties without express permission of the appropriate authority.’’
“Because the University expects strict adherence with the Code of Conduct, that is why it is the first information usually displayed on each student’s profile page on the edu.portal. This is to ensure that you get familiarised with the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ as students of this great University, which will significantly determine the successful completion of your programme in record time.”
The Vice-Chancellor further warned against the possession and consumption of dangerous drug, saying any student found contravening this regulation shall be summarily dismissed from the University. He equally advised the new students to live in harmony and ensure peaceful co-existence with other people in various communities.
Prof. Agboola enjoined the students to go through the Students’ Handbook where the various rules governing the course system were explicit. He also requested them to consult their Course Advisers, Faculty Officers, Heads of Departments, Deans of Faculties and Provosts of Colleges for explanation on grey areas.
While emphasising that OOU has been known for excellence, Prof. Agboola disclosed that the University Management had put in place improved learning environment, decent hostel accommodation, efficient security system and robust healthcare facilities, among others, for the benefit of the students as members of the University Community.
After the formal opening, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Charles Adekoya, took over proceedings as Chairman of the orientation session. The students were subsequently given lectures on well selected topics.