In an act to foster development in the educational sector, Trinity University, Yaba, Lagos, has urged its 380 new students to be focused, avoid distractions, and spend time wisely.
Speaking during the sixth matriculation ceremony and lecture, guest speaker, former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Wema Bank, Plc, Mr Ademola Adebise, who spoke on ‘Empower living: Unlocking your potential,’ explained that there were both physical and virtual distractions, saying the students must make deliberate effort to stay focused.
“As you embark on this transformative journey, remember that academic excellence, while important, is just one facet of success. Through my experiences in consulting and banking, I have come to appreciate the multifaceted nature of success. Intellectual intelligence may be crucial in cerebral professions, but emotional intelligence and social intelligence are equally vital. These facets, which go beyond academic prowess, are self-taught and cultivated from within. They form the bedrock of holistic achievement.
“As you embark on this transformative journey, embrace the principles of empowered living. Chase excellence, set goals, develop resilience, challenge limiting beliefs, and stay committed to personal growth. Trust in God’s guidance and let your passion fuel your purpose.
Mr Samuel Olatunji, the Pro-Chancellor & Chairman, Governing Council, whose speech was titled, ‘Who shall ascend,’ listed signals that would aid superlative achievements.
“Appreciate the great treasure and gift of time. How you spend it is a powerful predictor of your future! Begin by setting clear goals! For a truly fulfilling undergraduate experience, this must cover academics and non-academics all major areas where you desire a superior performance.
“Excellence, superior and outstanding attainments come at a price. There is no shortcut to them.
“Do not run foul of university rules and regulations. Trinity University has edifying, life-enhancing rules, regulations, and values. Please observe them. Some students sadly lose out here, sometimes, very badly. The company of friends you keep will certainly affect you. Aspiring stars must watch out for and avoid unprofitable and non-edifying associations. Don’t be complacent, challenge yourself, and do not settle for any excuse for mediocre performance.
Also speaking, Prof. Clement Kolawole, The Vice-Chancellor, added, “You are expected to manage your time well to ensure that freedom to be what you want to do not constitute a distraction or a nuisance to you. One of the few things I want you to be reminded of daily Is the fact that you must not engage in a fight of any kind and in any act that is unbecoming of a child of God and a student of Trinity University. You are expected to respect yourself, colleagues, members of staff and the university.”
He added that the university was making efforts to introduce five new programmes such as optometry, biochemistry, cyber security, software engineering, and film and multimedia studies.
Kolawole said, “These are programmes we believe are not only relevant for the moment but also prepare us for the future. We are also making efforts to ensure that our students acquire skills that will enable them to become job creators after graduation. To this effect, Trinity University is exploring the possibility of collaborating with other institutions within and outside Nigeria that will provide the platform for our students to gain on-the-job skills and competencies that will equip them for the challenges of being impactful g graduates who are noble in character, sound in knowledge and competent in skills deployment.”