By Demola Akinyemi Ilorin

The new students of Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, in Irepodun local government area of Kwara State, have been encouraged not to target earning degree certificate alone,but
by also embracing key reforms the management has initiated, aimed at producing globally competitive graduates.

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francisca Oladipo, speaking in her address at the 6th matriculation ceremony held on Saturday, said it’s compulsory that every student must attain functional fluency in key international languages and acquire industry-recognised certifications before graduation.

A total of 967 students, comprising 939 undergraduates and 29 postgraduates, were formally admitted into the university.

The Vice-Chancellor described them as “bright lights” joining an institution she said is determined to redefine higher education in Nigeria.

The university Don acknowledged the presence of officials from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board led by Hajia Ramat Shittu, noting that their support strengthened the matriculation process.

Tracing the institution’s journey, Oladipo recalled that the university began with just 66 students. “Many would think that the dream of a university in a quaint little village was too ambitious. However, we knew that greatness does not begin with size; it begins with seed,” she said.

According to her, the university has since grown in ranking and infrastructure, with significant investment in renewable energy and agriculture to support sustainability on campus.

In a move she described as non-negotiable, the Vice-Chancellor declared that students must demonstrate functional proficiency in French, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin) and German, in addition to English language, before they can graduate.

“Arabic for Business. Chinese for Trade. French for Diplomacy. German for Science and Technology. These are not extras. They are your global passport,” she stated, explaining that the policy will be driven through the institution’s Foreign Language Centre.

Beyond language acquisition, she said the university has adopted a dual-certification model that requires students to earn at least two international micro-credentials from global platforms and technology organisations in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity and Digital Marketing.

“With our initiatives, you will graduate not with one certificate but with a portfolio of verified competencies. These are the skills employers are paying for, and we are ensuring you have them before they can even ask,” Oladipo added.

She further disclosed that entrepreneurship and community engagement are now compulsory.

” Students are expected to complete a minimum of 60 hours of community service and demonstrate practical skills capable of creating jobs.

“Start a company, build a product, solve a problem. Nigeria does not need more applicants but more founders,” she charged.

The Vice-Chancellor also warned that the institution maintains zero tolerance for examination malpractice, indecent dressing and bullying.

“The oaths you have taken today are not a formality but a covenant between you and this institution,” she said.

“You are not merely enrolling in a university; you are becoming part of an ongoing history of greatness. Welcome to your future,” the Vice-Chancellor told the new students.

Also addressing the students, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Victor Olarewaju, urged them to embrace discipline, focus and godliness throughout their academic journey.

“If you want to have a successful journey, you must be disciplined and responsible. Do not allow distractions or unhealthy relationships to derail your purpose here,” he warned, adding that they should do away with their phone once in a while and that effective time management would determine their success.

Founder and Chancellor of the university, Engr. Dr. Johnson Adewumi, echoed the call for discipline and skill acquisition, cautioning students against excessive use of social media.

“You can be brilliant and still not succeed if you do not manage your time well. The internet can either build you or waste you. Those hours are not recoverable,” he warned.

He stressed that the future belongs to skilled and innovative youths, urging students to think beyond certificates. “The future is not about certificates alone. It is about skills. People are asking, what can you do? Your skill will be your meal ticket,” Adewumi added.

The founder commended ongoing efforts by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tackle insecurity, noting that relative peace on campus reflects broader security interventions across the country.

He also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his untiring efforts to save Kwara state, adding that the volume of ammunitions deployed to the state by the federal government to fight insecurity is enormous.

“The insecurity is being fought and a lot is being done behind the scenes to ensure residents safety.The governor is doing a lot to save Kwara.” he stressed .

Parents and guardians were also thanked for entrusting the university with their children, as the matriculating class, christened Team Flourite, was urged to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Engr Adewumi further urged the new students to tap into the abundant opportunities in Nigeria, stressing that If they work hard they should be running their individual companies before they graduate.

He also hinted the gathering that he has concluded plans to further invest N1.8 Billion in the institution in the next one year, stressing that very soon Google building would be constructed for further advantage of the students on the campus.

Engr Thomas Adewumi also promised to review the wages of the staff across board upward,a cheering news that elated the gathering.