By Amaka Abayomi

The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos Diocese, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martin, has assured that the Church would ensure that the vision of the founding fathers of Augustine University, Epe, Lagos State, which is to groom individuals that would lead Nigeria to greater heights, would be actualised.

Speaking at the maiden matriculation ceremony of the varsity, Martin said the Catholic Church has been a major contributor to Nigeria’s education sector through its numerous primary and secondary schools, and now a university.

Also speaking, the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission,  Prof Julius Okojie, said any varsity not established on a set of rules and traditions is bound to fail.

His words: “the varsity education came to be through the efforts of the Catholic Church and are today rated as centers of academic excellence where knowledge is disseminated. Matriculation is like baptism which makes you a member of the varsity. What I have here is very encouraging as it is established on traditions of excellence and hardwork.”

Commending the management for ensuring that the varsity is fully residential, Okojie said: “when the town and gown live together, the students tend to pick up the behaviours, some of which could have negative impact on their studies. Be that as it may, a varsity must be at peace with its host community and settle issues promptly and amicably.”

Pointing out that only 54 students fully registered out of the 787 applicants, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Stephen Afolami, disclosed that a reward system has been designed for students with Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.50 and above to be placed on the VC’s Honour List with some form of scholarship, adding that excellence in character would be publicly recognised while rules will be strictly enforced.