Don charges new students to embrace innovation

The Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Prof. Oyedunni Arulogun, has charged 411 newly matriculated students of the institution to be responsible, impact-driven, and innovative as they begin their academic journey.

Professor Arulogun gave the charge on Thursday during the university’s matriculation ceremony held in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. The ceremony was themed “Create It. Own It. Change the World.” She explained that the theme was not merely a slogan but a call to responsibility for every student admitted into the institution.

She described the university as a “workshop for life” rather than a waiting room, stressing that students are expected to generate ideas, challenge conventions, and develop solutions to real-world problems.

“You are not here merely to receive information; you are here to generate ideas, create knowledge, and build value. In a world shaped by innovation, those who create will always lead those who only consume,” she said.

The Vice-Chancellor underscored the importance of ownership, noting that maturity and accountability are essential attributes of successful graduates. She warned that academic freedom must be balanced with discipline, adding that misconduct—including examination malpractice, cultism, drug abuse, violence, and destruction of university property—would attract severe sanctions, including expulsion.

Professor Arulogun also reminded the students that a minimum of 75 per cent class attendance is mandatory to qualify for examinations, urging them to be punctual, diligent, and focused on their studies.

She challenged the new students to view contemporary issues such as climate change, inequality, public health, and governance reforms as leadership opportunities.

“You cannot change the world if the world changes you first. Hold your values, guard your integrity, and let excellence be your habit,” she admonished.

She further encouraged the students to remain God-fearing, stressing the need to balance academic pursuits with spiritual growth and to adhere strictly to the oath of obedience and good conduct taken at matriculation.

In her concluding remarks, the Vice-Chancellor said matriculation was more than a formality, but a declaration of readiness to join a community of scholars bound by ethics and shared purpose.

“Create boldly. Own responsibly. Change courageously. When you return for graduation, may you not only carry a degree but also carry impact,” she said.

Also delivering a matriculation lecture, Dr. Oluwatobi Moody urged the newly admitted students to be determined to excel, noting that clear goals and resilience are critical for future success.

“Finishing with a first class can be a huge motivator, especially when you are determined to make it happen,” he said.

Dr. Moody also encouraged the students to embrace a different mindset, stressing that personal growth comes from learning, resilience, and taking responsibility for mistakes.

“Embracing a different mindset and owning up to mistakes is where real growth happens. It is easy to get caught up in the numbers, but it is the journey, the learning, and the resilience that truly matter,” he added.