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ELIZADE UNIVERSITY VICE CHANCELLOR PROF OGUNTUNDE REAFFIRMS INSTITUTION’S ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SOCIAL VICES
…As Varsity Matriculates 708 New Students
Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State has formally admitted a total of 708 fresh students for the 2025/2026 academic session, with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Philip Gbenro Oguntunde, charging them to embrace innovation, digital competence, entrepreneurship and disciplined scholarship in a rapidly changing global environment.
Speaking at the 14th Matriculation Ceremony of the University held on Friday, January 30, 2026, Professor Oguntunde described matriculation as more than a ceremonial rite, but a formal academic contract that binds students to the pursuit of knowledge with integrity, discipline and intellectual honesty.
According to him, the newly admitted students comprise 610 undergraduates and 98 postgraduate students, who emerged from a rigorous, merit-based selection process.
The students are spread across the Faculties of Engineering and Environmental Sciences, Law, Basic and Applied Sciences, Humanities, Social and Management Sciences, Allied Health Sciences, as well as the School of Postgraduate Studies.
He explained that the students are enrolled in over 35 fully accredited undergraduate programmes and 23 postgraduate programmes, deliberately structured to meet Nigeria’s manpower needs while remaining globally competitive.
These figures, according to the Vice-Chancellor, reflect not just growth, but careful planning to ensure quality education, manageable class sizes and effective student–faculty engagement.
Professor Oguntunde emphasized that Elizade University is founded on the principle that knowledge must be functional, measurable and impactful, noting that universities must now produce graduates capable of analysing problems, interpreting evidence and developing sustainable solutions in a data-driven and technology-oriented world.
“Our academic model places strong emphasis on evidence-based learning and research, quantitative and analytical skills, interdisciplinary thinking, and entrepreneurship as a mindset, not merely a course,” he stated.
He stressed that education at Elizade University goes beyond examination success, focusing instead on real-world relevance, innovation and value creation, adding that entrepreneurship and innovation are embedded across all faculties through compulsory courses, project-based learning and industry-linked assignments.
“The future belongs to those who can create value, not just seek employment. Our goal is to graduate individuals who can convert ideas into enterprises, research into solutions, and knowledge into national development outcomes,” the Vice-Chancellor said.
Highlighting the global context of digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sustainability, Professor Oguntunde challenged the matriculating students to develop strong digital literacy, work confidently with data and emerging technologies, and understand the ethical and practical implications of AI, regardless of their chosen discipline.
He assured the students of the University’s commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure, platforms and mentorship, while stressing that personal drive and commitment remain indispensable to success.
The Vice-Chancellor, while citing recent achievements by Elizade University students as a clear confirmation of the quality of education being offered, he noted that its Law students recently emerged first and third at national debate competitions held at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, and Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, competing against first and second generation universities.
On discipline and ethics, Professor Oguntunde reaffirmed the University’s zero tolerance for examination malpractice, cultism, drug abuse, sexual harassment, cybercrime and all forms of misconduct, urging students to uphold the values and regulations of the institution at all times.
Addressing parents and guardians, he thanked them for the confidence reposed in Elizade University and assured them of a secure, structured and intellectually stimulating environment that promotes both academic excellence and character development.
He urged the matriculating students to remain focused and disciplined, reminding them that education is defined not by what is memorized, but by what is applied, to improve society.
Some of the matriculating students who spoke with journalists expressed joy at what they have come to found at Elizade University.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Media and Public Relations in the University, Williams Olufunmi, the ceremony marked another milestone in Elizade University’s steady growth as an innovation-driven, entrepreneurial institution committed to national development.
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