The Founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sam Maris University, Supare-Akoko, Ondo State, Mr. Sam T. Ologunorisa, SAN, has charged newly admitted students to prioritise hard work, discipline and good character throughout their academic pursuits.
Ologunorisa gave the charge on Thursday at the University Auditorium while welcoming the new students.
He emphasised the need for them to abide by the University’s rules and regulations, dress modestly and use its facilities responsibly.
He cautioned the students against viewing their admission as an opportunity to indulge in luxury or misconduct, stressing that the University was established primarily for academic development and character formation.
“You are not here to enjoy yourselves but to study. We do not want negative characters in this university. You must be disciplined, dress modestly and conduct yourselves properly at all times,” he said.
The Founder stressed that learning went beyond reading textbooks, noting that students were expected to acquire practical knowledge to complement theoretical learning, develop responsible attitudes and seek guidance whenever they encountered unfamiliar situations.
“Ignorance is not a defence. Learning is not limited to reading books; it also involves exposure to how things are done properly. We are here to mould you, teach you and enforce discipline where necessary,” Ologunorisa said.
He urged the students to take advantage of the University’s healthcare facility, disclosing that plans had been made to operate the University Health Centre in collaboration with a Health Management Organisation (HMO) to strengthen the provision of healthcare services and cater to their medical needs.
According to him, security measures had also been put in place to protect students and ensure compliance with campus regulations.
He added that students residing in the hostels were expected to demonstrate a level of responsibility that would enable Management to discharge its in loco parentis role effectively.
Ologunorisa further disclosed that the students were covered by the Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP).
He also directed that he be included in a WhatsApp group created to disseminate information and receive students’ complaints for prompt attention.
He assured Muslim students that arrangements would be made to convey them to the mosque on Fridays for Jumu’ah prayers.
The Founder warned that academic indiscipline and poor performance would not be tolerated.
He urged the students to learn from the cases of some Nursing Science students who had been withdrawn from the programme and transferred to other departments because of poor academic standing and failure to meet the required academic standards.
“We have greater responsibilities towards you because your parents have entrusted you to our care. We must ensure that you live healthily, study seriously and develop the right character. If you have any challenges or complaints, let us know so that we can address them,” he added.
Corroborating the Founder’s remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis Gbore, also urged the newly admitted students to embrace hard work, remain focused on their studies and uphold the values of discipline and responsible conduct throughout their stay at the University.
