By Olayinka Latona

The Vice-Chancellor of Maranatha University, Prof. Rufus Taiwo Akinyele, has urged newly matriculated students to uphold discipline, integrity, and personal development as core values throughout their academic journey.

Speaking on the theme “Road Map of Academic Excellence,” which reflects the university’s motto, Prof. Akinyele addressed the institution’s 3rd Matriculation Ceremony held at its Okota, Lagos campus. He emphasized the university’s commitment to character-building and warned students against engaging in examination malpractice, cultism, drug abuse, and other forms of misconduct.

“Integrity is a virtue that is fast disappearing from our society,” he said. “It is the quality of being honest and showing strong moral principles. Your achievements in life will amount to nothing without personal integrity.”

Prof. Akinyele elaborated on the concept of integrity using it as an acronym to highlight essential virtues: Industry, Noble Actions, Truthfulness, Endurance, Gratitude, Righteousness, Impeccable Character, Teachable Spirit, and Yieldedness.

The Chancellor of the institution, Rev. Chukwuemeka Ngubo, also addressed the new students, encouraging them to pursue academic excellence with godly character. He affirmed the institution’s mission of producing world-class graduates rooted in faith and integrity.

“The vision and motto of this university must always be in your mind as they serve as pointers to your future. Regardless of your course of study, you are nurtured to be godly, have unshakable faith in God, excel in your field, and uphold high integrity,” he stated.

Rev. Ngubo also announced that Maranatha University has received full license status from the Federal Government of Nigeria. He highlighted the university’s commitment to academic standards, noting that all courses are accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

“We go the extra mile to meet all required standards. Today, we are proud to announce the addition of the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Medical Sciences to our academic offerings,” he added.