“We are here to Prepare You for the Real World” – UNILAG VC Tells Students at Matriculation Ceremony

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, has reiterated the University’s commitment to fully preparing students for the real world.

She said made this statement while officially welcoming fresh UTME, Direct Entry, and Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) students to the institution, at the 2024/2025 Matriculation Ceremony held at the Jelili Omotola Halls, UNILAG on Friday, April 12, 2025.

Her words, “At the University of Lagos, we are committed to building leaders of excellence in innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, history, strategic management, and so on and so forth. However, what you take away from this University will depend upon you.”

“The University of Lagos is a great institution, a place where dreams are nurtured, potentials are developed, and leaders are made indeed and in truth, in deed, and in character…”

“…We are more than just an institution of learning. We are a family, an inclusive community that welcomes everybody. We embrace diversity, and empower every individual to thrive. We are particularly proud of our commitment to accessibility to every student, including those who are visually impaired or physically challenged, they have been a major part of our community.”

Prof. Ogunsola reeled out some of the structures, facilities, hubs, and centres put in place for the success of students. She encouraged the new students to take advantage of available resources throughout their stay in the University.

Her words, “Let me say that all this means you are a part of the privileged few in Nigeria. Do not take it for granted. With privilege comes responsibility and accountability. No one owes you or myself anything. Avoid the entitlement mentality. Go out and get what you need. Go through obstacles. Overcome challenges. That is, how you will grow. So you have to get out of life what you put in it. So I urge you to cultivate a heart of gratitude, a mindset that sees possibilities so that you will have a successful student’s life and a life of purpose and greatness.”

She further urged the matriculating students to cultivate the half-full mind set, to “be a people who see the glass as half-full, because it is only those who are optimistic that can change things, not those who see doom and gloom in everything.”

The vibrant Vice-Chancellor encouraged them to own their decisions and the consequences of their actions; strive to be individuals of integrity; be change makers; embrace hard work, determination, resilience, self-reliance, responsibility, accountability and commitment to excellence; push limits and never leave till tomorrow, what can be done today.

The seven thousand, six hundred and twenty-eight (7,628) matriculating students of the twelve (12) faculties of the University were presented to the Vice-Chancellor by the various Deans of Faculty and swore the Matriculation Oath as directed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs. Abosede Wickliffe.

This ceremony officially marked the end of the 2024/2025 Orientation programme organised by the Dean of Students Affairs’ Office which commenced on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

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