Ondo varsity VC warns students against social vices

The Vice Chancellor of Wesley University, Ondo State, Prof. Samuel Obeka, has warned new students of the institution against engaging in acts that are against the rules and regulations of the varsity.

He declared that the university had zero tolerance for indiscipline and social vices that could lead to their premature exit from the school.

Obeka gave this warning at the 18th matriculation ceremony of the institution, held on Friday. No fewer than 1,288 new students took the matriculation oath of the institution.

Addressing the students, he said, ” Let me congratulate you, and tell you that you are fortunate to be admitted into a university that emphasizes not just academic excellence, but also moral and spiritual values.

I was to warn you to focus on your studies, avoid social vices, and commit yourselves to studies because this university does not tolerate acts of indiscipline. I promise you that this university has a structured calendar that ensures timely graduation for all programs.

“Here at Wesley, one year is one year. A two-year programme won’t exceed two years, we have begun external examination defence for postgraduate students, and I’m proud to announce that many were rated first-class researchers by their examiners.”

On the other hand, the VC lamented the continued exclusion of private universities from TETFund projects, despite their growing contribution to Nigeria’s education system, urging the Federal Government to urgently revisit the Tertiary Education Trust Fund policy to include the private universities.

He noted that lack of external funding remained one of the major setbacks facing private institutions in Nigeria.

According to Obeka, while federal and state universities enjoy financial interventions, private universities were left to cater for development solely through school fees and occasional private donations.

He said, “Our growth has been remarkable, but we can do much more if private universities are allowed access to TETFund.

“We contribute to national development just like public universities. Government support in infrastructure and research grants should be inclusive.

” Our students and lecturers contribute meaningfully to national growth. It is unjust that private universities are neglected in TETFund allocations while federal and state universities enjoy the benefits.

“We want to appeal to the Federal Government to reconsider its policies and provide equitable support to all institutions, especially in light of the increasing brain drain in Nigeria’s medical and academic sectors.”

Obeka, however, noted that Wesley University was currently witnessing academic and infrastructural development across all levels, including the accreditation of 25 new academic programmes, bringing the total to about 60 spanning undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional studies.