Thomas Adewumi University (TAU) marked a significant milestone as it celebrated its 4th Matriculation Ceremony. The event commenced with an inspiring opening remark from the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Francisca Oladipo. Her address set a tone of excitement and promise for the new students embarking on their academic journey.
A Warm Welcome to All
Prof. Francisca warmly welcomed everyone present, including those joining virtually. She began by expressing her delight in celebrating the beginning of an exciting and transformative journey for the new students. “Today we celebrate the beginning of an exciting and transformative journey for the new students. This ceremony marks a significant milestone in their lives as they embark on academic pursuit, personal growth, and life-long learning,” she stated.
Acknowledgments and Appreciation
The Vice-Chancellor acknowledged and welcomed the guest lecturer, Prof. Oluwatosin Atobatele, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State. She appreciated him for sharing his insights with the students and being part of the University’s history. She also expressed gratitude to the Oloko of Oko Irese, His Royal Highness, Oba Victor Olawuyi, for his guidance, and welcomed the JAMB officials, led by the Director, National Headquarters Annex, Ilorin, Mallam Habib Usman Maiyak, for their unwavering support and partnership.
Celebrating TAU’s Achievements
Prof. Francisca congratulated the new students for admission into one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing institutions (TAU). She proudly highlighted TAU's rapid rise in the academic world, citing its impressive rankings according to the 2024 Webometrics and Times Higher Education (THE) rankings. “TAU is ranked 1st among the 20 private universities licensed in 2021, 4th in Kwara State, 6th of 149 private universities in Nigeria, and 49th of 274 universities in Nigeria. The 2024 Times Higher Education ranked TAU 37th in Nigeria,” she noted.
She further emphasized that all academic programmes at TAU are approved and accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Professional courses like LL. B is approved by the Council of Legal Education, and the Nursing Science program is approved by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria.
Commitment to Holistic Education
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the significance of the matriculation ceremony, marking the students’ entry into the academic world and the TAU campus community. She reaffirmed the University's commitment to providing a holistic education that goes beyond classroom learning. “TAU believes that education is not merely the acquisition of knowledge but the cultivation of wisdom and character,” she said.
She proudly mentioned TAU’s hosting of one of the biggest databases in the world, the OpenCourseWare of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). She also spoke about TAU’s sister institutions, the Thomas Adewumi International College (TAICO), Thomas Adewumi Nursery/Primary School (TANPS), and the Oko Medical Centre (OMC), which have been leading lights in the community of Oko.
Focus on STEM and Sustainable Development Goals
The Vice-Chancellor reiterated TAU’s core focus on delivering affordable, student-centered quality education in STEM-I (Science, Technology, Engineering, Medicine, and Innovation). She emphasized the University’s commitment to contributing to all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research, teaching, and community empowerment initiatives. “We are committed to addressing global challenges while nurturing the next generation of leaders and change-makers,” she stated.
Encouraging Students and Appreciating Stakeholders
Addressing the students, Prof. Francisca encouraged them to embrace the opportunities ahead, engage actively in their studies, participate in extracurricular activities, and utilize the resources and support systems available to them. She emphasized that learning is a lifelong process and every experience contributes to their growth and development.
She acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the staff members, whose commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and service forms the foundation of the University's success. She expressed gratitude for their mentorship and guidance, which play a crucial role in shaping the future of the students.
To the parents and guardians, Prof. Francisca extended her appreciation for entrusting the University with their children’s education and development. She recognized the sacrifices and support provided and shared in their pride and joy as they welcomed the students into the vibrant university community.
A Message of Hope and Determination
In closing, the Vice-Chancellor advised the students to develop the skills, values, and character that will define their future. She urged them to embrace challenges with courage, curiosity, and determination. “We are excited to witness your growth, celebrate your achievements, and support you every step of the way,” she concluded, leaving the students inspired and ready to embark on their new journey.
The Vice-Chancellor’s opening remark set a positive and motivating tone for the entire matriculation ceremony, underscoring TAU’s dedication to academic excellence, holistic development, and the nurturing of future leaders.
