The University of Ibadan has officially matriculated 4,649 fresh students into its 2024/2025 academic session during a ceremony held on Wednesday at the institution’s International Conference Centre in Ibadan.
While addressing the gathering, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Adebowale, revealed that the new intakes gained admission through both the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations and the Direct Entry pathways, including candidates from Nigeria and abroad.
He disclosed that out of the 11,912 applicants who took part in the post-UTME screening, after meeting the institution’s benchmark score of 200, 7,017 candidates scored 50 percent or higher.
From this pool, 4,411 were offered admission through UTME, while another 238 were admitted via Direct Entry.
“The students were offered provisional admission into the University of Ibadan, both at the UTME and Direct Entry levels,” Professor Adebowale stated.
He encouraged the newly admitted students to uphold the values of academic excellence, moral uprightness, and good conduct as they begin their journey, urging them to embrace both the trials and opportunities present within the university environment.
The Vice-Chancellor further advised the freshers to maintain discipline, integrity, and resilience while striving to leave a mark on the university’s enduring legacy.
In a keynote address, Mr. Olukayode Aiyenuyo, an alumnus of the university and respected industry professional, urged the students to make the most of their academic journey.
He drew attention to the distinction between “being and doing,” explaining that aspirations differ from mere tasks or goals.
“Doing involves action, focusing on achieving deadlines and tasks, whereas being implies presence and intentionality in actions,” he said.
“There is a need to find balance, because who you choose to be is far more important than what you want to do,” Aiyenuyo continued.
He challenged the students to build their identity by embracing diversity, seeking balance, acquiring knowledge, and aligning their ambitions with a deeper sense of purpose.
“What you do must align with who you want to be.
“Success does not come without trying. Good grades do not come without frustration. Life is too special to be spent stressed.
“Learn to navigate challenges with grace,” he added.
Aiyenuyo concluded by urging the matriculants to tap into the vast opportunities and capacities their new academic journey had made available to them.
