The seventh matriculation ceremony at Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), Ibadan, was held on Thursday, April 24, ushering in 146 fresh students into a new phase of academic pursuit.
The new students were seen gathered for induction into the PCU academic community in an atmosphere that was rich with inspiration and a deep sense of purpose as .
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Adejumo, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the Chancellor, Bishop Francis Wale Oke; his wife, Rev. Dr. Victoria Tokunbo Oke; the newly-appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Rt. Rev. Prof. Dapo Asaju; members of the Governing Council; principal officers; members of Senate, and the distinguished guest lecturer, Dr. Eyiwumi Bolutito Olayinka, for their presence at the matriculation ceremony.
Welcoming them all, the VC described the day as “a milestone filled with purpose and promise.”
Highlighting PCU’s achievements, the Vice-Chancellor shared with pride that all programmes at the university had secured full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC).
He also announced approvals for new part-time courses in disciplines like Cybersecurity, Mass Communication, Software Engineering, and more.
According to him, these milestones reflect the institution’s drive for academic excellence and relevance in a competitive global landscape.
He stated that the uniqueness of PCU lies not just in its academic laurels, but also in its values-driven environment.
“With a zero-tolerance policy for cultism, misconduct, and academic disruption, the university promises students a stable academic calendar, flexible tuition options, generous scholarships, and a competent management team committed to holistic development.
“We aim to raise leaders who are intellectually sound, spiritually grounded, and morally upright,” the Vice-Chancellor reiterated.
He sent a clear message to the newly matriculated students,: “This is your time to shine. “You are not here by accident. Your admission is a divine arrangement, and your journey here is one of purpose.”
He urged them to embrace diligence, humility, faith in God, and excellence in all areas of life.
“Build meaningful relationships, seek help when needed, and remember that even in failure, there are valuable lessons,” the Vice-Chancellor enjoined the students.
A senior lecturer in the Department of European Studies at the University of Ibadan, Dr. Olayinka, who is also wife to former UI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, delivered a lecture entitled: “Discovering Your Passion: Exploring Interests and Pursuing Dreams.”
Her thought-provoking presentation challenged the students to reflect on their individual choices, passions and the path ahead.
“No one can answer the questions for you. You alone must discover your drive and align it with your purpose,” she said.
In her lecture, Dr. Olayinka drew on personal and historical references, including her matriculation 41 years ago and the transformative speech by Steve Jobs at Stanford University.
She emphasised that true education transcends mere knowledge acquisition, saying that it is about nurturing curiosity, cultivating the mind, and becoming an independent thinker.
“Education should teach you how to think, not just what to think,” she noted, urging the students to pursue total education.
Dr. Olayinka further reminded the students that success starts immediately, not in the final year.
“The foundation for a first-class degree is laid from your first day,” she said.
Using the metaphor of a 365-page book, she encouraged the students to “write a page every day” through daily study, peer collaboration, and persistent effort.
She warned against procrastination, urging them to take ownership of their journey and to be intentional with time and choices.
A particularly stirring moment came when Dr. Olayinka spoke of the “Tape Measure of Life”, a metaphor emphasizing the finite nature of time and the importance of living meaningfully.
For a 16-year-old, she explained, only 15.9 years remain to shape a meaningful future before the average threshold of 80 years.
“This moment matters,” she stressed, adding: “You have a rendezvous with destiny. The world is waiting for your voice, your inventions, your legacy. Don’t waste the time you’ve been given.”
As the ceremony drew to a close, words of appreciation were extended to Bishop Francis Wale Oke and Rev. Dr. Victoria Tokunbo Oke for their unwavering support, prayers, and leadership.
The governing council, management team, and academic staff were also acknowledged for their dedication to the institution’s vision.
With resounding applause and a renewed sense of purpose, the matriculants took their oath, pledging to uphold the values of PCU and chart paths of excellence.
At the end of the seventh matriculation, it could be seen that the ceremony was not just an induction, but a divine commissioning into destiny.
