BY ELVIS OTOBOR
It was a bright day, the weather was warm and friendly, students and parents were in a joyful mode to be part of this special occasion where all students are made to undertake the university matriculation oath which signalled their official welcome as bonafide students at Caleb University.
All deans of colleges were invited to present their students for the exercise, thereafter, the Registrar administered the matriculation oath on all students.
The University Registrar, Mrs Folake Okor invited the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nosa Owens-Ibie, who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Prof Adedeji Daramola to declare the matriculation ceremony open. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor explained that the Vice-Chancellor was unavoidably absent due to his recent visit and return from the UK and his observing the mandatory self-isolation due to Covid 19 regulations.
In his address, he chronicled the various achievements of the university in the last year, he started inter alia “Those who were at last year’s matriculation would have noticed, that infrastructurally, we are not where we were.
Courtesy of our Parents Forum, we now have a Medical Centre and a new ambulance, to enhance the priority we place on health. There is no one who will visit the model facility, and not be enamoured by its solid architecture, very clean environment, and well-stocked pharmacy, to give our staff and students the best healthcare possible. Members of staff have the additional benefit of a Health Management Organization to meet their needs, while a referral facility has always been in place for further specialist attention”.
He revealed that a total of 1,900 students were admitted by the close of the admission exercise which ended nationally on June 15, 2021. The tally is made up of 1,353 undergraduate students, 216 have come in newly at the Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board (JUPEB), 48 more at the Caleb Business School, and 283 at the College of Postgraduate Studies.
Coming at a time of disruptions as the new normal, intake this session is encouraging, and a foundation to be built on, as we continue to soar to higher heights of accomplishment. Our brand is growing, with a core of stakeholders who are united in the task of positioning Caleb as the market leader. Just two years ago, we were below 1,000 marks!
He highlighted the new ultra-modern cafeteria nearing completion and the new banking services which are designed to offer unique experiences and ensure customer satisfaction. The exclusive facility is futuristic and would be sectioned for its respective clients, in a way that focuses on service delivery from a best practice perspective. The campus now boasts of a critical addition to banking services. After a period during which the new bank building was re-modelled, we are into a new phase of meeting the financial needs of our community. Security remains a key priority for us, and we are doing all that is required while trusting God for divine guidance.
Furthermore, he spoke about the learning experience which has witnessed a new phase of blending, “with the planning template creating a basis for phases in physical and online engagements, although as situations normalise, the tilt will be in the direction of physical learning and examinations. However, it is evident that online learning is here to stay, and the details would become clearer as things evolve. Members of staff are positioned to continue to deliver value, and continuously upgrade for better service delivery”.
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He also spoke of the beauty and serenity of the campus “Those potential university students and their parents, who have come to celebrate with your siblings and friends, are not here by accident. God wants you to see your future institution! I say this because I also got hooked by the Caleb charm when I set foot on this campus a decade ago. Today, I am quick to tell audiences I address that they should visit easily the most beautiful campus, with a breath-taking landscape, and a conducive environment for academic work and recreation”. “Our strength remains our unshakeable commitment to the development of the total person. You are in Caleb University to develop godly character, and get the best learning experience. Here, you fulfil your dreams. It is no coincidence that our theme for 2021 is “The Future is Caleb!. Apart from aligning with global standards on academic integrity, it is now a graduation requirement for all students, at all levels, to obtain a global IT certification at all levels, in areas directly relevant to the programme they are running. We are investing in graduates who are game-changers in their generation, and already, Caleb products are in different parts of the world competing with the best in their professions and demonstrating quality and tenacity. When you excel in your academic work and demonstrate character as a student, you also become a candidate for consideration on our Graduate Development Scheme. The pioneering team on that scheme are justifying the confidence reposed in them. We are proud of them.
All the programmes offered in Caleb University, are fully accredited he stated. “Our computer science, mass communication, and architecture programmes continue to attract major interest from prospective students. International relations, accounting, business administration, microbiology, biochemistry, economics, chemistry, criminology, and cybersecurity and our newly approved law programme, are also getting a lot of attention. Postgraduate programmes, up to PhD, are consolidating their early gains.
He charged students to be studious, “When you all resumed as fresh students, every one of you had a score of 100%. Whether you are still at that level or not is a question only you can answer. To remain on top, you must value Matthew 5: 48 which states, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect”
He drew attention to the graduation requirements in Caleb University: “the first is Academic Performance, the second is global Information Technology Certification, and the third is Citizenship. Our graduation requirements target products who can compete anywhere in the world, and be positive role models, in so doing”.
The Vice-Chancellor prayed for matriculants “Almighty God brought you to Caleb University to make you the best in your generation, and justify the investments required for you to successfully graduate. To do that, you need a foundation in Jesus Christ, because as 1 Corinthians 3: 11 states “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ”, and as John 3: 3 states “…except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” It is important to see and be part of that Kingdom.
And finally, he congratulated matriculating students and their parents, other students and staff, parents and guardians, and stakeholders in the Caleb University dream.
At the end of the matriculation exercise, students, parents, and stakeholders went into celebration.
Elvis Otobo, PhD.
Deputy Director,
Public Relations and Marketing.
