By Adeboye Ado
The Vice-Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Prof. Olugbenga Ige, has warned newly admitted students of the institution against social vices and academic indolence, charging them to embrace discipline and excellence.
Ige gave the warning on Thursday during the matriculation ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session, where no fewer than 8,000 fresh students were formally admitted into the university.
He said the matriculation ceremony marked the official induction of the students into the academic community and the beginning of their journey towards fulfilling their aspirations, noting that they emerged from over 18,000 applicants.
According to him, the selection process underscored the university’s commitment to merit and quality.
“This university does not lower its standards to fill its halls; it raises individuals to meet its standards,” the vice-chancellor said.
He stressed that the institution has zero tolerance for social vices, warning that any student found culpable would face expulsion.
“This university has zero tolerance for all forms of social vices, including examination misconduct, indecent dressing, cultism, rape and robbery. Any student caught engaging in any of these will be summarily expelled,” he warned.
Ige further urged the students to shun academic laziness and examination malpractice, describing integrity as their greatest asset.
He said the university’s philosophy was anchored on what he described as an unshakable tripod of academic excellence, moral uprightness and service to humanity.
“Shun intellectual laziness and the corrosive plague of examination malpractice. Your integrity is your greatest asset. On moral uprightness, we expect and will enforce decent dressing, mutual respect and zero tolerance for social vices. You are now ambassadors of your families and this university,” he added.
The Vice-Chancellor also encouraged the students to deploy knowledge as a tool for solving societal problems and uplifting others, while assuring them of the institution’s support structures.
He said academic advisers and the Counselling and Human Development Centre were available to support students facing academic or personal challenges.
“Do not struggle in silence. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” he said.
Concluding his address, Ige charged the students to see the matriculation ceremony as the beginning of a purposeful journey.
“See this matriculation not as an end, but as a glorious beginning. The world is waiting for the unique contributions that only you, forged in the crucible of AAUA, can provide,” he said.
Earlier, the Registrar of the university, Mr. Olugbenga Arajulu, administered the matriculation oath to the fresh students, who pledged to abide by the institution’s regulations and uphold its image.
The ceremony was attended by principal officers of the university, members of staff, parents, guardians and other well-wishers.