2024/2025 Matriculation: Venite University Matriculates 290 Students at Second Ceremony

Venite University, Iloro-Ekiti, has marked a significant milestone in its academic journey with the successful matriculation of 290 fresh students into the institution. The 2nd Matriculation Ceremony, held on 18th June 2025, officially ushered the 2024/2025 cohort into the university, symbolising the commencement of their academic sojourn.

The event, described as both colourful and dignified, drew together a sea of hopeful faces and a distinguished gathering of stakeholders, including community leaders, royal fathers, seasoned academics, professionals, parents, students, and well-wishers.

The ceremony was presided over by the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kelvin A. Aduloju, supported by key members of the university management: Dr. Ezekiel Ayowole Agbaje (Registrar), Dr. Funke T. Akinola (Dean of Students’ Affairs) and Others. Supported Pro-Chancellor and Chairperson of Council, Prof. Olabisi I. Aina, represented by Mrs Oluwafunmilayo Nwanguma. Hon. Dapo Kolawole, Director of Strategy, Advancement and Partnership and a member of Council, was also in attendance.

Anchored by Prof. Dosu Malomo and Mr Ayodeji Ibitola, the University’s Head of Media, the well-coordinated ceremony was a blend of celebration and purpose, reflecting the university’s growing reputation for academic excellence and institutional order.

Prof. K.A. Aduloju, the Acting Vice Chancellor, delivered a stirring message to the newly admitted students, urging them to uphold the values of integrity, excellence, and responsibility as they begin their academic journey.

Prof. Aduloju welcomed new students with a call to purpose and integrity. “Today, you transit from being applicants and dreamers to becoming full-fledged Venite students, destined for greatness,” he said. He charged them to embrace excellence and responsibility, warning against misconduct such as cultism, indecent dressing, and behaviors that tarnish the university’s image, emphasizing that “freedom must come with responsibility.”

Prof. Aduloju also appreciated parents and guardians for their trust, announcing the formation of a PTA forum to deepen collaboration. “The journey of education is best walked in partnership,” he stated. He lauded the institution’s founder for selfless dedication and assured stakeholders of the university’s commitment to nurturing students into leaders and changemakers.

Dr. Ezekiel A. Agbaje, the university registrar administered the matriculation oath. And assured parents and guardians of the institution’s unwavering commitment to holistic student development.

Prof. Olabisi Idowu Aina, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Represented by Mrs. Funmilayo Nwanguma, in her speech, She charged the newly admitted students to embrace their role as pioneers of purpose.

“you are pioneers of purpose. Being among the early cohorts of Venite University places upon you a unique privilege and a profound duty. You are helping to lay the moral, intellectual, and cultural foundations of this University. Generations to come will look back on these early years and draw strength from your example – your scholarship, your character, your courage.”

She said, “ Dear students, as you robe in your academic gown today, I urge you to reflect deeply: What will be your contribution to the legacy of Venite University? What ideals will you uphold? What problems will you help to solve? Remember the words of our forebears: “Ọmọlúwàbí l’a ye mọ́ l’ọ́mọ”  –  “a child of integrity is the true offspring we cherish.” The true measure of your education will not lie solely in the certificates you earn but in the character you build and the impact you make beyond these walls.

‘’To our matriculating students, I say: seize this moment. Dream boldly, act with integrity, and let your light shine brightly. The world is waiting for the contributions that only you can make. As our elders say, ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’. ‘’  She urged the Matriculants

The Royal Father of the Day, HRM Oba James Olufemi Olugbesoye, Arojojoye II, the Oluloro of Iloro Ekiti, charged the matriculating students to embrace the journey ahead with purpose and discipline. “You were not admitted here empty,” he said. “You have come to be sharpened, guided, and built into better persons for your families, your future, and the society at large. Your success is a collective responsibility, one that involves not just the university, but also myself and my entire community.”

H.E. Associate Professor Olayemi Oyebanji, the First Lady and Mother of the Day,Represented by Dr. Peju Babafemi, the Ekiti State Commisssioner for women affairs and social development congratulated the Venite University community and charged the matriculating students to embrace their academic journey with purpose and resilience.

“Your admission to this university is a testament to your potential and the seed of greatness in you… You must set clear goals, study well, stay focused, and build meaningful relationships,” she urged, while reaffirming the State Government’s commitment to human capital development through practical, skill-based education.

Other dignitaries who gave goodwill messages included Hon. Mrs Fola Richie-Adewusi, a development advocate, and Hon. Modupe Bakare, Chairperson of Irewolede LCDA. Both highlighted the virtues of integrity, diligence, and visionary leadership as essential tools for the students’ journey ahead.

A prayer session led by Pastor and Pastor (Mrs) Tunde Abdullahi of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Region 25, Ekiti State, brought a spiritual tone to the event, as prayers were offered for the students and university community.

Traditional rulers in attendance included HRM Oba James Olufemi Olugbesoye (Oluloro of Iloro-Ekiti), Oba Sunday Ekundayo (Oluroye of Iroko-Ekiti), Oba Babatunde (Alararomi of Araromi-Ekiti), and Oba Joachim Adeyemi Afolabi Ajibola (Olujurin of Ijurin-Ekiti). Others present were university stakeholders and partners such as Prince Dr Olabode Adetoyi, Council Member and CEO of Value Ingredients Ltd; Barr. S.O. Dada, Council Member; Dr. Adenike Kolawole, Council Member; Mr Olukayode S. Dada (JAMB Coordinator); Mr Ishola Ganiyu Babaita (JAMB Head of Matriculation); and representatives from EKSU, BOUESTI, and FUOYE.

Parents and guardians expressed satisfaction with the university’s infrastructure and academic environment, commending the institution for its international standards and developmental strides. The matriculating students, visibly elated, described the event as a defining moment in their academic journey.

The ceremony’s ambience reflected optimism and a renewed sense of purpose, affirming Venite University’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and the holistic development of scholars and leaders for Ekiti State, Nigeria, and the global community.