Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Lagos State, on Thursday held its 11th Matriculation Ceremony, formally admitting 400 new students into the institution. 

The ceremony, which took place at the Convocation Hall, marked a historic milestone as it recorded the highest number of matriculating students in the University’s history.

In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Professor Anthony Alaba Akinwale, OP, welcomed the fresh students into the Augustine University community and congratulated their parents and guardians. 

He described the matriculation as a symbolic and significant step in the students’ academic journey, urging them to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to both knowledge and character, in line with the University’s motto Pro Scientia et Moribus (For Knowledge and Character). 

He reminded the students that education at Augustine University goes beyond intellectual development to include moral and ethical formation.

The Vice-Chancellor also emphasized the importance of critical thinking, career focus, respect for the University’s academic calendar, and zero tolerance for antisocial behaviour. He charged the students to use their youthful energy productively and to see themselves as future leaders capable of transforming Nigeria and society at large.

The Matriculation Lecture, which formed the second major address of the ceremony, was delivered by Professor Roseangela Ifeyinwa Nwuba (BSc., MSc., PhD.), Professor of Molecular and Cellular Parasitology and Lecturer (Sabbatical) in the Department of Biological Sciences, Augustine University. In her lecture, she challenged the popular notion that “school is a scam,” urging students to understand the true value of tertiary education beyond the pursuit of certificates.

Professor Nwuba emphasized that university education is a process of intellectual formation, character building, and preparation for responsible citizenship. She noted that while information is easily accessible in the digital age, education teaches students how to think critically, evaluate evidence, and apply knowledge ethically. According to her, access to information does not equate to wisdom, and true education lies in discipline, perseverance, and the ability to solve complex problems responsibly.

Using scientific illustrations from her field, she explained that education is a gradual process of growth and “development,” much like the biological processes that shape living organisms. She encouraged the students to see their years in Augustine University as a period of transformation, where their potentials would be refined into competence, integrity, and leadership capacity.

A major highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of outstanding students. The University presented Letters of Commendation to returning students who attained a CGPA between 4.0 and 5.0, in acknowledgement of their exceptional academic performance. This gesture was aimed at encouraging academic excellence and motivating other students to strive for higher standards.

In addition, Letters of Commendation were awarded to the Best Behaved Male and Female Students, in recognition of their exemplary conduct, discipline, and positive representation of the University’s values.

The ceremony was attended by Principal Officers of the University, Deans, Heads of Departments, Academic and Non-Teaching Staff, parents, guardians, and well-wishers.