VC urges CODL students to take responsibility for their future
By Tajudeen Babamale
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has charged newly matriculated students of the Centre for Open and Distance Learning (CODL) to take full responsibility for their lives and justify the confidence reposed in them by their families, sponsors, and the institution.
Prof. Egbewole gave this admonition last Thursday (February 19, 2026) in his address at the matriculation ceremony.
Speaking through the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Adisa Fawole, the Vice Chancellor stated that students must reflect on whether their parents and sponsors would be proud of their academic journey and personal conduct, saying that even self-sponsored students owe themselves the duty of making the most of the opportunity to acquire quality education.
While stating that academic excellence begins from the very first day on campus, the Vice Chancellor urged the students to work consistently towards first-class degrees rather than postponing seriousness until the latter years of study.
He reiterated the determination of the University to produce graduates who can compete globally, saying that the institution is capable of nurturing future Nobel laureates across disciplines.
Reassuring the students of the University’s support structures, Prof. Egbewole said that the institution has put in place adequate academic and administrative systems to facilitate their success.
While issuing a strong warning against involvement in cultism, drug abuse, stealing, armed robbery, and other forms of misconduct, Prof. Egbewole cautioned that seemingly minor infractions could escalate into serious criminal behaviour capable of ruining promising careers.
On class discipline, he advised the students to maintain regular attendance and remain actively engaged with their academic activities. He also encouraged them to stay connected with responsible peers and avoid unnecessary isolation, noting that accountability among friends enhances personal safety.
The Vice Chancellor also advised the students to be prudent in managing their finances and to remain security conscious at all times, adding that personal safety begins with individual responsibility and wise decision-making.
A major highlight of the event was the administration of the Matriculation Oath on the students by the Registrar, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla.
