The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Ondo, Professor Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe, on Wednesday charged some selected outstanding students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, to embrace excellence as a lifelong journey anchored on discipline, integrity, humility and service to humanity.
Professor Adejuyigbe gave the charge while delivering the keynote address, “Excellence is a Journey: Building Character, Inspiring Lives, and Leaving a Legacy,” at the fourth edition of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Academic and Research Excellence Awards 2026 held at Oduduwa Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
Addressing the OAU STARS—students recognised for exceptional academic and research accomplishments—the UNIMED Vice-Chancellor described excellence as more than academic brilliance or awards, noting that true excellence is reflected in character, resilience, ethical leadership and a commitment to improving society.
Drawing from her personal journey from Akoko, Ondo State, to becoming a Professor of Paediatrics and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ebunoluwa Adejuyigbe urged the awardees to view their recognition as a milestone rather than the peak of their achievements.
“Excellence is built one deliberate decision at a time, one disciplined habit at a time, one difficult challenge at a time, and one act of perseverance after another,” she said, adding that while talent may create opportunities, character determines lasting success.
The Vice-Chancellor recounted how an early academic setback during her undergraduate years at OAU nearly discouraged her, but perseverance and encouragement from a former teacher helped her overcome the challenge. She reminded the students that “failure is an event, not an identity,” urging them never to allow temporary setbacks to define their future.
She also highlighted the importance of integrity in scholarship, recalling how research findings she published on antibiotic resistance in newborn infections initially attracted scepticism but were later validated internationally.
According to her, researchers and professionals must remain committed to truth even when it challenges established opinions.
Professor Adejuyigbe also urged the awardees to use criticism as motivation for growth, uphold ethical values in their professions and strive to make meaningful contributions to society.
“The world does not need more successful individuals alone. It needs men and women whose success creates opportunities for others, whose excellence inspires hope, and whose integrity restores faith in our institutions,” she stated.
She reminded the awardees that society needs professionals who combine competence with compassion, humility and integrity, stressing that the true measure of success is the positive impact one makes on the lives of others.
Charging the students to uphold the values represented by the acronym STAR, she urged them to serve before self, think beyond limitations, aspire with integrity, and remain humble, describing these principles as enduring foundations for leadership and national development.
Professor Adejuyigbe congratulated the distinguished Excellence Award recipient, Professor Oladapo Afolabi, the OAU STARS and the entire Great Ife community, expressing confidence that the honourees would continue to distinguish themselves as leaders whose excellence is matched by integrity, innovation and selfless service.
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