The Vice Chancellor of Wesley University, Ondo, Professor Samuel Obeka, has issued a stern warning to newly admitted students of the institution, advising them to steer clear of social vices and all forms of indiscipline that could jeopardize their academic journey.
Addressing the 1,288 fresh students at the university’s 18th matriculation ceremony held on Friday, Prof. Obeka underscored the importance of maintaining high moral standards alongside academic pursuit. He reminded the new intakes that Wesley University holds firm to its core values of academic excellence, discipline, and spiritual growth.
“Let me congratulate you for earning admission into this noble institution. You are privileged to be part of a university that not only focuses on academic brilliance but also places great emphasis on character and spiritual uprightness,” the VC stated.
He went on to caution the students to remain focused, warning that involvement in any form of misconduct or social vices could lead to sanctions, including possible expulsion. According to him, Wesley University operates a zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline.
“I urge you to dedicate yourselves to your studies. Here at Wesley, we keep to our academic calendar—one year is one year. A two-year programme ends exactly in two years. We do not entertain delays in graduation,” Prof. Obeka affirmed.
Highlighting recent strides, he disclosed that the university had commenced external defence examinations for postgraduate students, adding that several candidates were recently commended as first-class researchers by external assessors. He noted that these achievements are part of the institution’s ongoing commitment to producing globally competitive graduates.
In another development, the VC expressed dissatisfaction over the continued exclusion of private universities from benefiting from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), despite their significant contributions to the advancement of tertiary education in Nigeria. He described the policy as discriminatory and counterproductive to national development.
“Our growth has been remarkable, but the absence of TETFund support remains a major challenge. Private universities like ours contribute immensely to the nation’s educational landscape. Yet, we are left out of government interventions in research and infrastructure,” he lamented.
Professor Obeka appealed to the Federal Government to reconsider its policies and allow private universities access to TETFund resources, stressing that equitable distribution of funding is critical at a time when the country is grappling with brain drain, especially in academic and medical fields.
“Government should not sideline private universities. Our lecturers and students are equally driving research and innovation. Excluding us from TETFund is unjust and short-sighted, especially considering the increasing role of private institutions in Nigeria’s development,” he argued.
Despite the funding constraints, the VC revealed that Wesley University is forging ahead with its development plans. He disclosed that the institution had recently secured accreditation for 25 additional academic programmes, bringing the total number of approved courses to about 60, cutting across undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional disciplines.
Wesley University, located in Ondo State, is one of Nigeria’s leading private faith-based institutions, known for its emphasis on moral education, academic rigour, and community service.
