Oko-Irese, Kwara State, Nigeria,
July 11, 2023
In a significant event that marked the beginning of a new academic journey for TAU students, the Founder/Chancellor of Thomas Adewumi University, Engr. Dr. Johnson B.O. Adewumi delivered a captivating closing address at the university's 3rd matriculation ceremony held on July 08, 2023. The ceremony, which took place at the institution's auditorium, was attended by students, faculty members, parents, dignitaries, and well-wishers. Dressed in the university's academic regalia, Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi, a renowned Engineer and Philanthropist, addressed the enthusiastic gathering with words of inspiration and encouragement.
In his address, Engr. Dr. Adewumi appreciated God Almighty for what God has done, expressing his joy at witnessing the rapid growth and development of the university since its establishment. He especially recognized the Royal Fathers; the Olomu of Omu-Aran & Oniwo of Iwo-Isin for identifying with TAU in the journey of academic excellence. The Chancellor also appreciated the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who was humbly represented by the Kwara State University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Luqman Jimoh. He continued by expressing his gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and her team for the excellent work they have done. “This university will not be where it is today without these wonderful people, we are so blessed by the kind of people God has brought here to serve” he emphasized.
The Founder also appreciated the parents that have chosen Thomas Adewumi University among the several options of Universities in Nigeria as the destination for the education of their children. He also thanked the host Royal Highness, the Oloko of Oko-Irese, and the entire Oloko in Council for their huge support and efforts, and for always being there for TAU as well as the entire community. Dr Adewumi, humbly representing himself and his wife appreciated his wife and co-Founder, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Adewumi. He stated that “what we are doing here could not have been done without the immense support of my wife and my children”.
Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi addressing the matriculants explained that today’s event is very crucial to the students’ future success, as they have made an oath to the Institution. He further said the Guest speaker has addressed the students, thereby, giving them all the necessary pieces of advice, they need for their academic journey and the future ahead. Furthermore, The Founder is grateful to God for the first 60 set of students admitted to TAU and the kind of life they are living. He advised the new students to be the best of their behavior, stating that “This country may have problems, but these problems are just step stones for greater achievement in life. Your generation is going to be the most creative in the last 50 years since independence”. He also appealed to the parents present at the event to set high standards for their young men and women because they are going to compete in the global world and to give total support to their ward's success. “Some of the students, even at 100 level are already achieving employability status”, he said. The renowned Engineer advised the students to be creative thinkers, plan their time wisely, and use the resources at their disposal to earn money before graduation. They should spend and budget most of their time on private study to make it academically. Saying that “You must succeed in life, Nigeria of your time must be better than the Nigeria of today, but it is not going to happen without WORKING HARD “.
He spoke passionately to the students that “I have invested my life in the last 30 years in building people, I am an Engineer but I am involved in Education because I believe I want to create a generation that is better than me through education”. Addressing the matriculating students directly, he urged them to remain focused on their goals, while also reminding them of the importance of character, integrity, and ethical conduct in all their endeavors, saying “Graduating from a university doesn’t earn you a good living, what makes you succeed in life is your ATTITUDE”. Your attitude is the 1st thing you have to work on as an individual. He encouraged them to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and strive for excellence in every aspect of their lives.
As a part of his speech, Engr. Dr. Adewumi also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Vice-Chancellor, the university's chairman of Governing council, Prof. Victor Olanrewaju, Dr. J.T Oderinde, board of trustees, faculty members, and non-teaching staff, expressing his gratitude for their tireless efforts in shaping the university's trajectory. The Founder/Chancellor concluded his address with the University motto; Scientia Sermo, Sapienta Audio, which means; knowledge shall speak, wisdom will listen. While urging the students to spend their time in the university to acquire knowledge and wisdom, because their generation is the hope of our great Nation.
The 3rd matriculation ceremony was a remarkable event filled with optimism and promise. With the guidance of the dedicated faculty members and the visionary leadership of the Vice-Chancellor, the matriculating students embarked on their educational journey, ready to make a positive impact on society. As the university continues to grow and excel, it remains a beacon of hope for higher education in Nigeria, serving as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Founder/Chancellor, Engr. Dr. J.B.O. Adewumi to transforming lives through quality education.
