Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, on Saturday recorded a significant milestone with the successful hosting of its maiden matriculation ceremony at its Ibadan campus, as newly admitted students through its affiliation with Providence College of Education, Ibadan, were matriculated for the 2026/2027 academic session to pursue National Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree programmes in Education.
The ceremony, described as historic, marks the first official induction of students at the Ibadan campus under the university’s collaborative arrangement with the college.
Administering the matriculation oath, the Registrar, Barrister Olubunmi Babalola, formally ushered the students, drawn from the Faculties of Social Sciences, Sciences, and Languages, into the university system.
In a keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olugbenga Ige, issued a firm warning against anti-social behaviour, stressing that the university would not tolerate any act capable of undermining its reputation for academic and moral excellence.
Represented by the Dean, Faculty of Education, Professor Jude Akomolafe, the Vice-Chancellor described the ceremony as a defining moment in the institution’s expansion drive.
“I am not unaware of the challenges that faced the predecessor of this College before the understanding and agreement that midwifed a new College aptly named Providence College of Education, Ibadan.“
“I, therefore, congratulate the Management of this College for the sacrifices, dedication and commitment that have made this happen.“
“The journey to this momentous and historic day has been long and tortuous, but the collaborative efforts of the university and the college have yielded the desired results that we all hoped for.“
“However, it is not yet time to celebrate endlessly, but the time to consolidate on this achievement and to consistently work on sustaining the standards that fetched this feat.“
“All hands must be on deck to keep this momentum and sustain this glory. You are assured that the Management of Adekunle Ajasin University will continue to extend the necessary support and help that would make this College the numero uno (number one) among its peers.”
The Vice-Chancellor reassured the students of the legitimacy of their admission, noting that all programmes offered are duly approved by relevant regulatory bodies, including the National Universities Commission (NUC).
“I also congratulate the matriculating students of today for being among the very first set of students in this college. I assure you that all necessary details were diligently worked out to ensure that your studentship is authentic and genuine.“
“Your course of study and admission here are approved by all relevant government agencies, including the National Universities Commission (NUC).”
He emphasised that the matriculation ceremony represents the final confirmation of admission and a formal induction into the university community.
“Please note that participation in the Matriculation ceremony and signing of the Matriculation Oath validate your studentship, as this ceremony confirms your status as bona fide students of Adekunle Ajasin University. That means that your curriculum, examinations, and certificate would be handled by the University.
“Today, as you are formally inducted as members of the University Community, I urge you to join us as builders of this academic edifice and brand that is built on discipline, hard work, diligence, determination, and courage.”
Professor Ige further highlighted the university’s longstanding contribution to manpower development, noting that its graduates continue to excel across various sectors globally.
“Today’s matriculation ceremony marks another milestone in the actualisation of one of the mandates of the University; which is to develop and train skilled manpower for the development and progress of the country.“
“The University has kept this flag flying and has continued to contribute her quota to the overall development of the nation, and beyond, through the training and re-training of the workforce.“
“It has become obvious that our university has succeeded in this mandate as attested to by the competency and capacity of the many workers in every sector of Nigeria’s economy that had passed through the Institution.”
He also reiterated the institution’s commitment to maintaining high academic standards, warning that misconduct, including examination malpractice, cultism, indecent dressing, and sexual harassment—would attract strict sanctions.
“The University frowns on acts that could dent her hard-earned reputation of academic and moral standards. As much as we understand that most of you are adults and working class, note that this University will not tolerate acts of indiscipline, indecent dressing, examination malpractice, cultism, and sexual harassment, to name a few, among our students. Anyone caught would be summarily sanctioned without fear or favour.”
The Vice-Chancellor advised students to use official channels to resolve grievances, cautioning against taking institutional matters to social media.
“There is no doubt that this is the age of the internet and social media where happenings could be spread at the click of a button.“
“However, let me advise that whatever information or complaint you have about this College or its operations should be brought to the attention of concerned authorities for clarification rather than making it a social media debate.“
“Be careful of what you write or spread on social media about this College and the University. It is unwise to discredit an institution whose certificate you will use to advance in your career.”
He urged the students to remain focused on their academic pursuits, noting, “Finally, you must never forget that your primary reason for being here is to acquire skills that will enable you to make positive contributions to the larger society and move up the ladder in your career. Therefore, I encourage you to be studious and serious.”
In his remarks, the Proprietor of Providence College of Education, Ibadan, Hon Abiodun Gbolagade, pledged sustained commitment to excellence and to upholding the university’s standards.
“We would keep promoting the image of the institution at all times and we will ensure that all the students that we are producing will be nation builders.”
He commended the leadership of AAUA for its support since the inception of the partnership and assured that the college would continue to justify the confidence reposed in it.
Hon Gbolagade also conducted an orientation session for the matriculating students, warning against indecent dressing, hair tinting, and sagging, while emphasising strict adherence to examination ethics to ensure merit-based success and global competitiveness.
The event was attended by key academic officials, including the Director, Institute of Education, Professor Moshood Hasan; the Provost, Mr Kolapo Badiru; the Registrar, Mrs Jumoke Komolafe; and the Deputy Registrar (Academic Affairs), Mrs Funmi Adelabi, among others.
