*begins orientation for pioneer students
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Vice Chancellor of Technical University (Tech-U) Ibadan, Oyo State, Professor Ayobami Salami on Monday disclosed that the university will not compromise standard in its ultimate mission to cultivate a cadre of professionals with technical competence and requisite entrepreneurial skills that are capable of creating jobs and employment.
Professor Salami stated this as the new University commenced orientation course for its pioneer students held at the institution campus.
The Vice Chancellor pointed out that 99 students selected across the 33 local government areas of Oyo state were on scholarship, while others were being sponsored by their parents, adding that 10 students with a minimum of 160 marks in the last Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) competed for the scholarship, out of which three students eventually emerged and that the scholarship was based on merit.
Professor Salami emphasized that Tech-U “is an institution where educational training would achieve a balance between sound theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experiences and skills in different academic disciplines as well as vocations.”
“The Technical University is unique in many respects and guarantees every student a unique learning experience unlike what is obtainable in any tertiary institution in Nigeria. The grading system is unique and requires the same level of dedication and hard work in both practical and theoretical components of training in order to achieve success in any course you register for.” he said.
The Vice Chancellor added that “the practical components carry a higher mark and contribute more to the final assessment than is obtainable in conventional universities. The computation of scores and grades is not just a mere addition of scores in the different elements of a course, but a weighted average across the elements that goes into the final assessment.”
“In addition to the curricular requirements, it is mandatory that all students register and obtain certification in at least two different vocations or trades relevant their course or their wishes before graduation. Successful completion and certification in French language competence is a minimum requirement before any student can obtain a degree from this university. As a university of the future, there is a great emphasis on entrepreneurship. Following the orientation programme so a one-week entrepreneurship awareness programmed as an appetiser to what the university has packaged for all its students.”
Professor Salami maintained that the Tech U ” have an entrepreneurship curriculum that has been built into the different academic programmes and all students, irrespective of the degree programme to which you have been admitted, must go through and pass. By this, you will be prepared to create as well as recognise business opportunities anywhere you may find yourselves.”
“Irrespective of your background and upbringing, the Technical University has offered you platform for you to create your future from now. Under my leadership as the vice chancellor, the university will spare no effort to provide the best living and learning support for you on achieve success and be guaranteed a good future, provided you are ready to make the required sacrifices.”
In their remarks at the orientation, Oyo State Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Adeniyi Olowofela, and his counterpart from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun, expressed satisfaction with the world-class educational facilities in the institution. They enjoined the students to strive to be the best in their chosen professions.
