Bamidele Eleniola
Final-year students of the Faculty of Management Sciences, Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), have been urged to prioritise character, integrity, and sound values as they prepare to transition from university life into the world of work.
Guest speaker: Mrs Oluwatoyosi Ibidunmoye
The charge was given during a seminar organised for graduating students by the faculty’s counselling unit, where the guest speaker emphasised that while academic certificates remain important, they only represent acquired knowledge, whereas personal values define an individual’s true identity.
Addressing the students, the speaker, Mrs Oluwatoyosi Ibidunmoye noted that many graduates leave the university with similar qualifications. Still, what distinguishes them in life and the workplace is their character, attitude, and ethical conduct.
“Your certificate tells what you learned, but your values tell who you are,” stressing that employers and society place a premium on trustworthiness, accountability, discipline, humility, and integrity.
The FUOYE Don encouraged the prospective graduates to cultivate virtues such as excellence, prioritisation, continuous learning, and honesty, noting that certificates may open doors, but good character sustains success and keeps those doors open.
In her opening address, the Faculty Counsellor, Management Sciences, Mrs. Racheal Apuabi congratulated the students on a significant milestone in their academic journey. She commended their resilience, sacrifices, and determination over the years and reminded them that graduation marks the beginning of greater opportunities and responsibilities rather than the end of learning.
Apuabi charged the students to remain focused, complete their academic obligations diligently, avoid examination malpractice, and develop employability and entrepreneurial skills that would prepare them for life after school.
“The knowledge and skills you have acquired are valuable, but your character, integrity, and attitude will determine how far you go in life,” she said.
Mrs. Apuabi also encouraged the students not to compare their journeys with those of others but to remain confident, committed to self-improvement, and hopeful about the future while trusting God to guide their decisions.
Adding her voice to the discussion, Dr. Adijat Bolanle Adams, Deputy Director of the Counselling and Human Development Centre, FUOYE, highlighted the realities and expectations of the modern workplace.
According to her, while employees are expected to add value to their organizations, certain negative behaviours such as bribery and corruption, bullying, dishonesty, disunity, hypocrisy, and lack of commitment can damage reputations and hinder career growth.
She advised the students to make conscientiousness their watchword and develop the ability to work effectively in teams, describing teamwork and diligence as critical ingredients for productivity, organisational growth, and professional success.
“Be a good team player. Conscientiousness, commitment, and integrity will speak for you and help you retain your place in any organisation,” she advised.
Also speaking at the seminar, the Chief Counsellor, Mrs. Olugbenga Oluranti Deborah focused on the dangers of laziness and procrastination, warning that both habits have the capacity to ruin lives and hinder individuals from attaining their full potential. She admonished the students to cultivate diligence, discipline, and good work habits, stressing the importance of avoiding unnecessary delays and taking timely action in all their endeavors.
According to her, developing a proactive attitude and a strong work ethic would position them for greater success, enhance their productivity, and enable them to lead fulfilling and impactful lives in the future.
Speaking on behalf of the students, the Public Relations Officer of the Faculty of Management Students’ Association, Tiamiyu Mohammed appreciated the University management and counselling unit for organising the timely seminar. He described the programme as enlightening and impactful, assuring the organisers that the students would put the lessons learned into practice.
He further pledged that the graduating students would remain worthy ambassadors of FUOYE, uphold the values taught during the seminar, and contribute positively to society wherever they find themselves.
Present at the event were Mrs Idowu Olayinka, a counsellor in the university; academic staff; and the graduating students of the Faculty of Management Sciences.
Photo credit: Nifesimi Ogungbe
