OAU MATRICULATION: HOPES, DREAMS AND THE UNCERTAINTIES THAT LIES AHEAD
Written by Damilare Makanju
Yesterday, thousands of freshers took the first step of their academic journey at Obafemi Awolowo University, the citadel of sports and struggle. This struggle was much reflected in the conditions surrounding the event, as some freshers had to attend classes and then rush to the matriculation ceremony immediately afterward, all while preparing for a 7 a.m. test scheduled for the following morning.
The matriculation is a formal event where newly admitted students of Obafemi Awolowo University take an oath to comply with the institution's guidelines to ensure a seamless academic journey. Some of these fresh students were joined by their parents and family, who shared in their joy and pride at this milestone, getting into a tertiary institution, which is also the first step toward another milestone: earning a degree.
It's likely that different freshers have different stories to tell about their admission process, the preparations, the exams, the results, the anxiety that came with it all, and finally receiving a formal offer of acceptance into the institution. While some of these freshers spent years hoping to gain admission into a higher institution, others succeeded on their first attempt. Regardless of their unique experiences, it is worth noting that they are not alone in this journey. Every student on this campus has gone through this stage, and for the freshers, the memories of this process are still vivid.
Obafemi Awolowo University is a great citadel of learning where one learns not just in classrooms but also through social interactions and extracurricular activities. It is an environment for academic development and achievement, as well as a place to start writing your story and building your professional career. This can be done through volunteering with one of the several registered associations on campus or taking up leadership roles in your department or religious organizations. The best time to start writing your story and developing your professional career is now, at Obafemi Awolowo University.
However, we must not be swayed by the glamour of it all. The matriculation was filled with fanfare, but it doesn’t paint an accurate picture of the reality ahead. Some of these freshers will experience setbacks, whether minor or major, in their academic journey. Some may even face challenges such as disappointing results or difficulties going through academic processes. It is important to remind them that the most beautiful pieces of pottery often need to be remolded several times. While these experiences may shape them, they should never shy away from putting in the effort. As mentioned earlier, their experiences are unique, but they are not entirely "new under the sun," as many have walked similar paths before.
This is not to discourage but to remind them that when the going gets tough, they shouldn’t be afraid to go back to the drawing board, start afresh, change courses, or explore other options available to them.
Your matriculation into Obafemi Awolowo University is the beginning of what could be the best days of your life.
