Babcock University, Ogun State, has advised its new students to be receptive to collaboration, knowledge sharing, and learning from others.
Speaking at the matriculation of the 2023/2024 undergraduates, Prof. Ademola Tayo, the Vice-Chancellor, noted tha it was the 25th undergraduate matriculation of the university, adding that there were 3,223 matriculants from distinctive academic disciplines pursuing different undergraduate degree programmes.
“You must be part of the catalyst for this positive change. I do not doubt that you have an extraordinary ability and indeed an obligation to direct your efforts toward ensuring the world becomes a better place. You have the capacity for immense achievement, not the least of which is to support positive change in society. But being at the forefront of social change demands the humility to listen to the societies you serve, and truly understand their needs. It demands that you remain open to collaborating, to sharing knowledge, and to learning from others.”
Tayo also urged the students to be a good problem-solver, saying that was the the purpose of research.
“Make new questions and find the answers to the questions yourself, then you can see a new horizon. I ask you to recognise your capabilities, not as the weapons of competition or conditions of victory for yourself, but as the social capital that you can share with your community. The more you utilise and share, the bigger the social capitals become.”
He explained that the campus was inclusive and had zero tolerance for discrimination.
Tayo said, “This campus welcomes everyone here. We therefore take all issues of equality and diversity very seriously. We believe much in inclusivity.
BU has an iron-cast commitment to being a diverse college in which everyone is treated equally and with respect. We have zero tolerance for discrimination. That informs our core value of team spirit. The diverse make-up of our student body means that differences are celebrated and cultures are shared,”.