…As 2,349 take matriculation oath
The Chancellor, Covenant University, Ota Ogun State, Bishop David Oyedepo, yesterday handed down a stern warning to parents not to display unwholesome attitude capable of corrupting students of the university.
By culture, Oyedepo said the institution’s students are not ‘permitted to see such things’, saying they are groomed to embrace positive virtues that are ideal for future world leaders.
Oyedepo, who spoke at the 14th matriculation for the 2015/2016 academic session, rebuked a couple who engaged in a fight inside the students chapel, venue of the event, and in the process disrupting the address of the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Charles K Ayo.
The chancellor, who described the act as ‘demeaning’ said parents who are not ready to key into the university’s lofty philosophy are free to take their children elsewhere.
“For the first time since this university began operation 13 years ago, I saw a fight in this place. This is very shameful,” Oyedepo lamented.
“I cannot imagine two elderly parents engage in open fist-cuff; that is a descent to human dignity. I wonder where such parents came from.
“The last time I personally witnessed a fight was in 1982. I was travelling along Lagos/ Benin Expressway and I saw motorists engage in a fight. What happened today is an anomaly; our students are not permitted to see such things.”
The fiery cleric, who delivered a speech themed: ‘Discipline in building a future we all desire to see’, called for the cooperation of all parents with the school towards ensuring a finished product of their wards.
Addressing the students, Oyedepo said the sky would not be their limit, but a starting point, only if they could set their priorities right.
“Everyone offered admission here has the potential to become first-class at the point of graduation;” Oyedepo said, adding, “but that will also be determined by his or her agenda setting, quality decision making and standing by them.
“Here, we subscribe to self-discipline. Examination malpractice is a capital offence. We do not take short cut because we are building exemplary leaders. This is the more reason why parents must cooperate with us.’’
Oyedepo advised the students to be dedicated, be a good time manager, be disciplined and be determined to make sacrifice in their studies.
According to him, records show that individuals who are considered world changers, don’t run normal schedule, possess normal habit, and live normal lifestyle.
Earlier in his speech, Prof Ayo had put the matriculating students at 2349 across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
He said the institution has continued to consolidate on its achievement and committed to its new vision of becoming one of the best 10 universities come year 2022.
The event also featured poetry and music rendition, as well as goodwill messages from parents, among others.