Otitoju Femi
The Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) has formally admitted no fewer than 11,327 new students into its various academic programmes, marking the institution’s 15th matriculation ceremony.
The event, held across the university’s two campuses, underscored FUOYE’s sustained growth and rising profile in Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
The ceremonies were conducted separately on the two campuses: the Oye campus hosted its event on December 11 at the 1,000-Capacity Hall, while the Ikole campus held its matriculation on December 12, 2025. Both events drew enthusiastic attendance.
In attendance were the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Professor Tajudeen Bolanle Opoola, Registrar, Mr. Mufutau Ibrahim, the Bursar, Dr. (Mrs.) Adebolanle Debo-Ajagunna, the Librarian, Dr. Olabode Olajide, Deans of faculties, staff, students, parents, and well-wishers.
The new students took the matriculation oath, signifying their official induction into the university community and their acceptance of the responsibilities and conduct expected of them.
In his matriculation address entitled “Building a House on the Solid Rock,” the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, expressed gratitude for the progress the institution had made under his administration, saying “this is my Ebenezeri.”
“The journey has been smooth to the glory of God. I have learnt many things and put my trust in God,” he stated.
Professor Fasina, however, urged students and staff to uphold the good image of the university.
He said: “As individuals, endeavour to project the name of this school positively. We know what this university used to be before I came on board, and we all know the status of the school now” while welcoming the freshers, the Vice-Chancellor described the matriculation as a landmark moment.
He went on: “Today marks an exciting chapter of your life. As the Vice-Chancellor, I am honoured to welcome you.
“And I want you to know that this ceremony is a covenant with the university.”
Expounding on his theme, Professor Fasina stressed the importance of building one’s life on a “solid rock,” noting that only a strong foundation guaranteed stability and success.
“A house that is built on the solid rock will stand strong, while the one built on the ground will fall,” he ethused.
He listed honesty, integrity, curiosity, love for learning and resilience as core elements of such a foundation.
“Let integrity guide your actions and choices,” he advised, adding that nurturing curiosity and developing resilience were essential for overcoming life’s inevitable challenges.
“No one can escape challenges, but through resilience you can overcome and go places in life,” he said.
The Vice-Chancellor also emphasized that FUOYE was a vibrant and supportive community, saying “the university is more than a place for lectures and examinations. You must strive to volunteer, serve in different endeavours, and make yourselves wiser every day.”
He reminded them that the strength of their personal foundation would determine how they would withstand future storms.
Professor Fasina closed his address by reiterating the importance of full participation in university life.
He said: “If you don’t matriculate, you are not our students,” urging them to attend the university’s Christmas Carol later in the day, describing it as “the honour that you can give to God.”
The matriculation ceremonies concluded with excitement and renewed hope as the new students embarked on their academic journey at FUOYE.
Photo Credit: Toluwanimi Bamigbola
