Matriculating students of Chrisland University, Abeokuta have been admonished to envision a mental image of a desirable future they would want to attain in life.
The admonition came from a notable entrepreneur, life Coach and motivational speaker, Engr. Abiodun Fijabi who was Guest Speaker at the 7th Matriculation Ceremony of the University.
A total of 381 students took the Matriculation Oath for the 2021/2022 academic session.
Fijabi, addressing the matriculants with the theme “Engaging Wisdom for Intellectual Radiance”, charged them to be more deliberate and intentional throughout their academic sojourn in the University.
Fijabi whose lecture spanned over 55 minutes said; “Vision is your commitment to what should be. It is seeing and identifying a status quo. And, you must take a risk to get to your destination. Turn all your mistakes into a learning point. But above all, avoid vision killers, and distractions as well as make decisions about yourself.
“As you are starting this journey, you must ask yourself, Who am I? You must be able to define yourself with reference to God. The real deal is your relationship with God. Do not let anyone consider you as a number. You are much more than just a number.
“You are a voice
to be respected. You are a human to be honored. Recognizing this will change your perception, it will impact your knowledge, it will impact on decisions you make in your academics. It will impact on the way you live responsibly among your colleagues, it will impact on the way you obey the law and order of the University.
“You also need to ask, what are my potentials? Because as a leader, one of the greatest things you could do is to live out your lives to the fullest. God has given you skills, potentials. Potential is a talent that makes you different from others and announces you to the society. It cuts you out from the rest of the people. It is like an egg waiting to become an omelet or chick. It is God’s gift to you and to the world that you live in. You must know that everyone has potentials. You couldn’t have been created without potentials.”
According to him, putting God first will launch one into greatness and excellence, adding that God has put in every human a potential to make them stand out.
Engr. Fijabi who is the Chief Executive Officer, Lord Princely Associates, advised the students to be determined when challenges arise and approach problems without fear, noting that problems are preparation for greatness.
“One of the reasons why people do not recognize their potentials is because potentials are never enough. Just like a raw egg is never enough. In every egg lie great potentials of chicks and omelets. But the eggs must be first cracked and put through a process to release its potential. If you want to develop your leadership skill, you need to redefine all your problems and make them a challenge. Challenges of life will make you Session.
Vice-Chancellor, Chrisland University,
Prof. Mrs. Chinedum Peace Babalola, FAS,
speaking on lessons from the wisdom of the ants, underscored the fact that ants are self-motivated, noting that ants do not need a captain or a leader to discipline them because they are self-disciplined.
Babalola said: “The theme of my charge for you this year is to be as wise as an ant from the Book of Proverbs. The ant is an industrious creature; small in size, but wise in its ability to optimize its time, skills and resources. Here are some important characteristics of the ants. They are diligent and hardworking. Ants teach us the value of hard work.
“Laziness does nothing but encourage us to procrastinate and remain in a state of lack and apathy. Ants are never lazy! Neither are they poor nor hungry! Their efforts and hard work sustains them! If we strive to be diligent and work hard, our lives will be blessed physically, spiritually and financially!”
Babalola disclosed that the University has zero tolerance for cultism, improper conduct and any form of hooliganism and corruption, cautioned that the University will not hesitate to apply the full weight of sanctions as stated in the Students’ Handbook to any form of criminality.
She further admonished the matriculants to show respect to their colleagues and staff in the University to make their stay fruitful and productive.
The Vice-Chancellor however charged parents of the matriculants to join hands with the University in the effective training and molding of the students.
“Recall that you signed undertaking and agreed with your children to abide by the rules and regulations of the institution. Please keep up with it and support the university in molding the students to be the best they can be”, she stressed.
The erudite Professor equally expressed deep gratitude to the Chancellor and Founder, High Chief Dr. (Mrs) Winifred Awosika OON, for her vision, support and all-round support for the university, just as she
equally commended the University’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Distinguished Prof. Ayodeji Olukoju for his fatherly role and mentorship.
The Chancellor, High Chief Dr. Mrs. Winifred Awosika, in her remarks, transmitted virtually, enjoined the new students to keep the vision and mission of the University to excel in their various endeavours.