MATRICULATION ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE PRESIDENT PROFESSOR VICTOR PATRICK YAO GADZEKPO, FGA DURING THE 7TH MATRICULATION CEREMONY HELD ON 17TH NOVEMBER, 2005.
Registrar, Central University College
Deans of Schools
Lecturers
Students
Matriculants
Parents
Brothers and Sisters
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Let me welcome all of you to the seventh matriculation ceremony of this wonderful university. It is beautiful to see the matriculants dressed smartly and looking their very best for the occasion. We hope you will keep this standard of dressing throughout your stay in the university.
Mr. Chancellor, matriculation ceremonies are usually held to formally and publicly admit or receive fresh students into the rights and privileges of a university, even as we have done today. The ceremony also gives us the opportunity to give some information to the public. I would therefore like to crave your indulgence to say a few words about Central University College.
Mr. Chancellor, Central University College, over the years has concentrated its programmes in two schools: the School of Business Management and Administration (SBMA) and the School of Theology and Missions (STM). The School of Business Management and Administration offers the following degree programmes:
The School of Theology and Missions on the other hand offers a degree programme in Theology. The School also runs MA and M.Phil. programmes in Theology.
In responding to the demands of the time, Central University College has introduced new programmes, which started from this academic year. The new programmes in the School of Theology and Missions are as follows:
These new programmes are unique. We believe they will be of great benefit to present day churches.
The School of Business Management and Administration is in the process of introducing an MBA programme. The MBA is a 15-month programme with the following options:
We are currently seeking accreditation from the National Accreditation Board to commence this programme. We hope to start in January 2006 by which time we expect to have received accreditation.
I am happy to inform you that the National Accreditation Board has given accreditation for the commencement of a third faculty called the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
This faculty is made up of the Department of French, Department of English and the Department of Economics. These Departments will offer degree programmes in French, English, Economics and combinations with other courses. We as a university now have three faculties. We are indeed grateful to the National Accreditation Board for the prompt attention they accorded our request to start the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. We are hoping that these programmes would be over subscribed within the coming years.
Mr. Chancellor, this year the University received a total of about 2000 applications. Admission was offered to 1500 candidates. Out of this number a total of 1154 students reported and registered for the programmes. Included in this number are 10 international students.
This number is made up of 44 % males and 56 % females. The male to female ratio in our university is an interesting one. The percentages are the same as that of last year. Perhaps we need to put measures in place to encourage more male students to apply for our programmes.
23 students were admitted into the new faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The following is the break down of students admitted into the other two schools: Morning School - 375; Evening School – 412 and Weekend School – 410. For the first time we have a number of students showing interest in attending the weekend session, which we think is a very good sign.
Now let me turn to the matriculants. You must be very proud to be students of Central University College. Let me take this opportunity to remind you that the philosophy of this University is founded on Christian principles and values. Our emphasis is on producing devout, well-grounded leaders, executives, analysts, entrepreneurs, industrialists and scientists who would meet the challenges of our time and serve as positive influence in society. We cannot achieve this if we do not address your moral and spiritual needs alongside the academic needs. We have put several structures and measures in place, to address these needs. We expect you to avail yourselves of these structures and make good use of them.
These days the youth in our society are loosing their values. Through the Internet and too much watching of unproductive movies on television, the youth have acquired strange values, which leave much to be desired. This has made our young ladies take delight in wearing skimpy and short blouses, very short skirts and very tight trousers. They dress to expose parts of their bodies, which under normal circumstances should be covered. This provocative dressing is part of the moral canker that has made its way into our society. We at Central University College frown on this. We do not expect you to dress in that manner. We expect you to conform to the dress code that you have signed and be a role model for others.
It has also become a fashion these days for young men to put on earrings and braid their hair. Some even grow dreadlocks and leave their trousers to hang at their buttocks, calling the style “Oto Fister”. Such fashion is totally unacceptable on our campuses. We have empowered the lecturers and staff to drive you out of the lecture halls, offices and campuses should you contravene the dress code.
Mobile phones are tools that are useful but their usefulness depends on how you use them. They can be a nuisance and can waste your time if you do not know how to manage them. The time you use to read and send unnecessary texts on the mobile phone can be used for your books.
As students of Central University College, what ever you do must be of good report.
It is important that you pay particular attention to your studies and take them seriously in order to make the grade.
Remember that if you do not make the grade you will be withdrawn from the university and all the money, time, energy and other resources would have been wasted.
It is compulsory for all of you to study French. This is to make you more marketable in this competitive era. However difficult the study of French may seem, you should be steadfast and apply yourselves to it. To facilitate the learning of French, we are in the process of setting up a ¢500 million language laboratory. This language laboratory is almost ready. It is located in the Stone house just behind this dais. It will be commissioned once it is completed hopefully before the year ends. You will appreciate the study of French when you graduate from the University.
Finally, let me remind you of the matriculation oath that you have just taken. An oath is a formal promise made or a solemn declaration made on ones honour. By taking the oath and signing the matriculation register, you have made a faithful promise on your honour to abide by all the contents of the oath therein. We expect you to abide by them.
Remember, students of Central University College are leaders of tomorrow and as such you are very special to us. We expect the best of behaviour from you.
Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you on your matriculation and to welcome you warmly to this noble institution. Enjoy your stay at Central University College and don’t just pass through the University but allow the University to pass through you.
I want to wish all of you well while you study in this university.
May the good Lord bless us all.
Amen.