Newly matriculated students have been enjoined to seek education as journey to a collaborative means to explore the world and life to fulfil their destinies. This was the advice by the Matriculation Lecturer, Dr. Eyiwumi Bolutito Olayinka, at the 7th Matriculation ceremony of the Precious Cornerstone University (PCU).
While delivering the Matriculation lecture, Dr. Olayinka, who is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Department of European Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, stated that education goes beyond acquisition of numeracy ability and skills, and even beyond being literate and being able to memorise and recite facts and figures. She also pointed out that education is a tool that is meant to make people become independent innovators and paradigm changers.
According to her, An all-encompassing education is one that develops all human faculties including physical, emotional, social and intellectual. She emphasised that such an education can only be received from an institution such as Precious Cornerstone University where education is based on godly principles.
While congratulating the newly matriculated students into the PCU on their successful admission into the University, Dr. Olayinka sternly advised them to have self-disciplined and self-care to intentionally be disciplined to attend lectures on time, use social media with caution and be purposeful in studying. She also emphasised that the students must develop their physical, spiritual, intellectual and social wellbeing, to get engaged in extra-curricular activities such as sports and other life and skills enhancing activities.
Dr. Olayinka concluded her Matriculation lecture by highlighting lessons derived from Steve Jobs Commencement Speech at Stanford University, stressing that the students need to find their passion, to pursue what they love doing; to embrace change, being the most inevitable factor in life; and to live purposefully by cultivating positive values and habits. Above all, she enjoined the students to measure their lives and passion with the Word of God.
While delivering his Welcome Address, the Vice Chancellor of the PCU, Prof. Timothy Olubisi Adejumo, expressed that the University was founded on the principles of faith-driven education, where minds are sharpened and souls are nurtured. He stated that the vision of the University is to be a world-class institution, aiming to raise individuals who excel in their disciplines and embody virtues of honesty, service, and leadership.
In his address, the Vice Chancellor highlighted some of the achievements of the University which included the NUC accreditation for all programmes of study, approval for all part-time programmes, including Mass Communication, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, International Relations, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Microbiology, and Physics with Electronics; and the graduation of past three sets in 2021/2022 (95), 2022/2023 (100) and 2023/2024 (118); all which signified progress. Other developments in the institution so far include the procurement of 33 KVA electricity transformer, the completion of new female hostel, the twin-image male hostel, and the ongoing preparations for the commencement of Nursing Science, Public Health, Medical Laboratory Science, and Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Christian Religious Studies, Music, Creative and Performing Arts.
The Vice Chancellor therefore urged the matriculants to uphold the institutions core values which are scholarship, integrity, diligence, service, honor, alongside discipline, humility, hard work, and an unwavering faith in God. In his words, “You are not here by accident, but by divine purpose. Your admission is a testament to your potential and a commitment to a new chapter in your life. Therefore, as you make your academic journey build lasting friendships, and above all, seek wisdom from above.”
Present at the Matriculation ceremony was the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, the Rt. Revd. Prof. Dapo Asaju, the Anglican Bishop of Ilesha Diocese, and other Principal Officers of the University among whom were the Registrar, Mrs. Morenikeji Afolabi, the University Bursar, Mr. Ruben Ayanwale, the University Librarian, Dr. Olajide Afolabi, the University Chaplain, Pastor Engr. Adesoji Adeniji, the Deans of Faculties and Heads of Departments among others.
