The Vice-Chancellor of the African School of Economics (The Pan-African University of Excellence), Abuja, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, has charged newly admitted students to take their studies seriously, urging them to embrace curiosity, cultivate resilience, and maintain focus in their academic pursuits.
Prof. Adedimeji gave this charge while addressing the pioneer students during the institution’s maiden matriculation ceremony, held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the University Hall.
In his address, titled “Three Principles, Six Stories,” the Vice-Chancellor also emphasized the importance of adopting faith, trust, hope, confidence, love, and a positive attitude as guiding principles for their journey.
Speaking on the need for curiosity, he noted that the pursuit of knowledge extends beyond textbooks and lecture halls.
“Ask questions, even the ones that seem unanswerable. Challenge assumptions, even your own. Explore disciplines and books outside your comfort zone, and dare to see the world through different lenses,” he advised.
“Some of the most profound discoveries in history began with a simple question: ‘What if?’ Let that spirit of inquiry drive you,” he added.
On cultivating resilience, Prof. Adedimeji encouraged the students to see setbacks as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.
“Resilience is not the absence of failure but the courage to rise after every fall. You are stronger than you think, and every challenge you overcome will shape you into the person you are destined to be,” he noted.
The Vice-Chancellor further stressed the importance of maintaining focus amidst distractions.
“In a typical multiple-choice examination, there is only one key but many distracters. Your academics are your key. Don’t let friends, desires, or problems distract you,” he said.
Describing the African School of Economics, Prof. Adedimeji noted that the institution is a community of thinkers, innovators, and leaders — a launchpad for ambition and creativity.
“You have chosen to be here, and we have chosen you because we see in you the spark of greatness,” he declared.
He reminded the students that by joining the university, they have become part of a legacy of excellence and a tradition of innovation committed to making the world a better place.
“The future is not something that happens to you; it is something you create through commitment and effort,” he concluded.
In his lecture titled “Education: The Pathway to Success in Life,” Chairman of the institution’s Board of Trustees, Prof. Michael Maduagwu, challenged the popular notion that money opens all doors, insisting that education is the true key.
Prof. Maduagwu urged the students to cultivate the habit of reading widely beyond their course requirements.
“Expand your intellectual horizons. With the internet, information is at your fingertips. Research and study ahead of your lecturers so that lectures become revisions or clarifications,” he advised.
He also emphasized the importance of time management, warning that without a proper plan, students would find themselves left behind. Quoting Benjamin Franklin, he said, “Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today.”
