By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, has reiterated that the University of Ibadan thrives on the tradition of excellence handed over by the Founding fathers, and as such, the tradition must be guarded jealously.
He made the statement at the induction/Oath Taking ceremony organised by the Postgraduate College for 2022/2023 Postgraduate students of the university.
Professor Adebowale said to this end, the University has zero tolerance for examination malpractices and plagiarism.
He stated that the degrees of the University of Ibadan are awarded in character and in learning and advised the students to ensure that in all they do, their character remains intact.
The Vice-Chancellor announced that a total of 5136 candidates applied for admission into higher degree programmes in the 19 Faculties in the University. Of this number, 4170 candidates were recommended for admission by the various departments having been found successful in the mandatory test of Proficiency in English Language and subject based examinations of the various departments, while only 3285 were successfully cleared.
Professor Adebowale told the students that as the flagship of postgraduate education in Nigeria and in the African continent, the UI Postgraduate College is indeed a place of high standards, and the students have made the right choice.
He gave the assurance that the Management of the University, the committed lecturers, and the non-teaching staff were all prepared to serve the students and make their stay very fulfilling.
He told the international students that the experience in a new country could be challenging, but with the right guidance, it could be full of opportunities and excitement. He stated that the University has a vibrant Office of International Programmes that would assist them to adjust to life and styles on campus.
The Provost of the Postgraduate College, Professor A. S. O. Ogunjuyigbe said the ceremony was the annual programme of the Postgraduate College to welcome students into their respective programme(s) at the University of Ibadan and to effectively synchronise desires/goals, traditions, operations, and to normalise the academic contract with the students.
He reiterated that for the 2022/2023 session, 3285 postgraduate students have been successfully cleared for different programmes, including Post Graduate Diploma, Academic and Professional Masters, M.Phil. PhD and MD.
He said seasoned academics that have a clear understanding of postgraduate education have been chosen at the Induction programme to deliver interesting lectures that would excite and further enlighten the students’ perspectives of Postgraduate education primarily at Ibadan and generally at the National level.
He said the Postgraduate College will establish a special meeting hub for the doctoral students via the UI Doctoral Academy, which will be launched in the first quarter of this year.
The Registrar, Mr Ganiyu O. Saliu, thereafter, administered the Induction Oath on the students.
The symbolic signing of the Oath was undertaken by a former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Alake Adeyemo; Miss Stella Ovo; and Mr Lookman Olatunji on behalf of all the students. The students were advised to ensure that the Oath was duly signed and returned to the Deputy Registrar at the Postgraduate College as part of their records.
The ceremony was attended by the Principal Officers of the University; Deans of Faculties; Heads of Departments; Directors of Institutes/Centres as well as other functionaries of the University.
The papers presented were:
● A Glimpse of UI Postgraduate College by Professor A. S. O. Ogunjuyigbe, Provost
● Academic Excellence: A must for UI Postgraduate Students by Professor A. I. Olayinka, FAS, former Vice-Chancellor
● The University of Ibadan Financial Regulations by Mr A. Popoola, Bursar
● PG Research Outputs and National Development: the Role/Place of UI PG Products/Scholars by Professor A. A. Aderinto, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic.
● UI Library Students’ Friendliness: An Exposition of her Physical and Virtual Services by Dr Mercy A. Iroaganachi, University Librarian.
● Living by UI Codes and Conducts by Professor Keye Abiona, Dean of Students.
● Understanding the Security of the Space You Dwell by Mr. V. G. Fadeyibi, Chief Security Officer
The students were given opportunities to ask questions at the well attended one-day programme.
