Eight thousand, four hundred and forty-eight (8,448) candidates, out of the over fifty-three thousand (53,000) that applied, have been formally admitted to the studentship of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) for the merged 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic sessions. The event occurred at a colourful Matriculation Ceremony held at the Jelili Omotola Hall, UNILAG on Friday, February 2, 2024.
Elegantly dressed and looking the part, the Matriculants came from all faculties in the University and from the College of Medicine. They had filled the halls to capacity, hours before the commencement time; and it was their excited cheers that greeted the University Procession as it majestically glided through, making its way to the podium.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, declared the ceremony open; and, with dispatch, the Ag. Registrar, Mrs. Olakunle Makinde, administered the Matriculation Oath on students, according to their respective Faculties.
A highlight of the event was the presence of the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Bolaji Ogunlende, who was on hand to charge the Matriculants. He shared his experience with them, and encouraged them to lay the foundation for a successful future by setting their goals early and committing to them all the way.
The Honourable Commissioner then lit up the atmosphere with an act of benevolence that many did not see coming. To confirm if his audience had been paying attention to his presentation, he asked a question. Ms. Inioluwa Akinboboye of the Department of History & Strategic Studies was the lucky Matriculant who answered the question correctly, and went home with the gift of a brand-new laptop.
In her official address, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the students on their successful admission to the University of Lagos and assured them of the University Management’s resolve to mould them into fit-for-purpose individuals, who will be ready to take their place confidently in the global space.
Her words: “I congratulate you all for being among the 8,448 admitted students out of over 53,000 that applied to the University of Lagos. Our University is not just another university. It is a university known for excellence, where we breed leaders, men and women of character – In Deed and In Truth. The Matriculation Ceremony is your official induction into the university, where we nurture your dreams, facilitate your acquisition of knowledge and skills and build your character. It is not easy, and it should not be easy. Ease does not build Character, it does not build strength and it certainly does not breed Leaders. However, be rest assured that we will be beside you every step of the way as we support you … We aim to make you fit-for purpose for the 4th industrial revolution which will be your reality. Here at the University of Lagos, we develop thinkers who can challenge the status-quo and contribute their quota to the development of our country. So, I ask you to Explore, Dream and Discover. The future is bright!”
The Vice-Chancellor thereafter declared the event closed. Please click HERE for the full text of Professor Ogunsola’s address.
The Matriculation Ceremony formally ends the admission process for the 2023/2024 Academic Session.
REPORTER: Isaiah Kumuyi
PHOTOGRAPHER: Ayo Oloyede
