AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
A Senior Lecturer in the Department of European Studies, University of Ibadan, Dr. Eyiwumi Bolutito Olayinka, has emphasized the importance of time management and purposeful living as key ingredients for academic success.
Delivering a lecture at the 7th Matriculation Ceremony of Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), Ibadan, on Thursday, April 24, Dr. Olayinka—wife of former UI Vice-Chancellor, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka—challenged the new students to reflect deeply on their aspirations and take ownership of their academic journeys.
Her lecture, titled “Discovering Your Passion: Exploring Interests and Pursuing Dreams,” encouraged students to align their passions with purpose. “No one can answer the questions for you,” she said. “You alone must discover your drive and align it with your purpose.”
Drawing from personal experience and historical insights—including her own matriculation 41 years ago and Steve Jobs’ iconic address at Stanford University—Dr. Olayinka emphasized that true education goes beyond knowledge acquisition. “It should teach you how to think, not just what to think,” she said, urging the students to cultivate curiosity, think independently, and embrace holistic learning.
She reminded the students that academic success begins on the first day of school. “The foundation for a first-class degree is laid from your first day,” she said, likening the academic journey to writing a 365-page book—one page each day. She encouraged consistent study, collaboration with peers, and intentional living, warning against procrastination.
One of the most poignant moments came when she introduced the metaphor of the “Tape Measure of Life” to stress the finite nature of time. For a 16-year-old, she explained, only 15.9 years remain to meaningfully shape one’s future before reaching the average life expectancy of 80. “This moment matters,” she urged. “You have a rendezvous with destiny. The world is waiting for your voice, your inventions, your legacy. Don’t waste the time you’ve been given.”
A total of 146 students were formally inducted into the university’s academic community during the ceremony.
Welcoming the new students, PCU’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Adejumo, expressed gratitude to Chancellor Bishop Francis Wale Oke; his wife, Rev. Dr. Victoria Tokunbo Oke; the newly appointed Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, Rt. Rev. Prof. Dapo Asaju; members of the governing council; and the guest lecturer, Dr. Olayinka.
The Vice-Chancellor highlighted PCU’s growing achievements, noting that all its academic programmes had received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission (NUC). He also announced new part-time programmes in emerging fields such as Cybersecurity, Mass Communication, and Software Engineering.
He emphasized that PCU’s distinction lies in both its academic excellence and its commitment to values. With a zero-tolerance policy on cultism, misconduct, and academic disruptions, the university offers a stable academic calendar, affordable tuition, generous scholarships, and a management team committed to holistic development.
“Our goal is to raise leaders who are intellectually sound, spiritually grounded, and morally upright,” he stated.
To the newly matriculated students, his message was clear: “You are not here by accident. Your admission is a divine arrangement. Embrace this journey with diligence, humility, and a pursuit of excellence.” He encouraged them to build meaningful relationships, seek help when needed, and learn from failures.
The event concluded with heartfelt appreciation to the Chancellor and his wife for their steadfast support and leadership. The governing council, management team, and academic staff were also commended for their dedication. With resounding applause and a renewed sense of purpose, the students took their matriculation oath, pledging to uphold PCU’s values and strive for excellence.
The 7th Matriculation Ceremony was not merely an academic rite of passage—it was a solemn commissioning into purpose-driven lives.
