Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, has matriculated 936 new students into its various academic programmes, with the institution warning the fresh undergraduates against cultism, drug abuse and other social vices capable of derailing their academic pursuits and future careers.
The warning was issued on Friday by the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, during the 19th matriculation ceremony for the 2025/2026 academic session, held at the Prof. Abubakar Adamu Rasheed Auditorium on the university campus.
Addressing the matriculating students, Prof. Aremu said the ceremony formally marked their transition into bona fide members of the university community, stressing that the new status comes with responsibilities that demand discipline, integrity and adherence to the institution’s rules and regulations.
He disclosed that the 936 new students include 51 Direct Entry candidates, noting that their admission followed strict compliance with the standards and guidelines of the National Universities Commission (NUC). According to him, Achievers University places premium value on character formation, discipline and academic excellence earned through integrity.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor cautioned the students against indulgence in cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, cybercrime and other forms of misconduct, describing such vices as major threats to academic success and personal development. He expressed concern over the growing prevalence of drug abuse among youths, particularly in the South-West, urging the students to make choices that would promote excellence rather than regret.
“University life comes with freedom and opportunities, but also with dangers. The friends you keep and the choices you make will either propel you towards greatness or lead you astray,” he said.
Prof. Aremu explained that the university experience is meant to build resilience, critical thinking, leadership capacity and lifelong love for learning, adding that challenges encountered during the academic journey are designed to refine students and prepare them for future responsibilities.
He urged the matriculants to take personal responsibility for their lives and studies, emphasising that dedication, time management and self-discipline are essential to achieving academic success. He further encouraged them to embrace positive values, shun vices and uphold the ideals of honesty, hard work and respect.
Reaffirming the institution’s commitment to parents and guardians, the Acting Vice-Chancellor assured them that Achievers University provides a safe, nurturing and intellectually stimulating environment supported by qualified faculty members and robust academic facilities.
He added that the university remains committed to producing graduates who are not only academically sound but also morally upright and socially responsible, capable of contributing meaningfully to national development.
The ceremony attracted members of the university’s Governing Council, Senate, management, staff, parents, guardians and other stakeholders.
Mrs. Ayobami Felix-Olaniyi, who was the guest lecturer, charged the new students on diligence, discipline and good conduct. Felix-Olaniyi, who is an alumna and staff of Nigeria Customs Service [NCS], spoke on the theme: ‘’Your University, Your Network-Building Relationships and Opportunities’’, urging the students to build quality relationships while on campus.
