The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Emeritus Is-haq Oloyede, has urged students of the African School of Economics (ASE) to maximize their time and opportunities, emphasized that the most valuable resources in life are often limited.
Prof. Oloyede made these remarks during his speech at the maiden matriculation ceremony of ASE The Pan-African University of Excellence held in Abuja on April 23, 2025.
He reminded the students that regardless of their courses, one crucial lesson to embrace is the importance of valuing what is limited. According to the JAMB Registrar, economics is centered on the efficient utilization of limited resources, and every student must embody this principle.
Prof. Oloyede, who is also a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, encouraged the students to make the most of the opportunities available to them. He pointed out that ASE’s relatively small class sizes would allow them to benefit from a more intimate and focused learning environment. He wished the university success and expressed hope that the students would live up to the investment made in them.
In his lecture titled “Education: The Pathway to Success in Life,” Prof. Michael Maduagwu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at ASE, emphasized the transformative power of education. He encouraged the students to embrace wide reading and utilize the abundant resources provided by Information and Communication Technology, which has made learning more accessible than ever.
Prof. Maduagwu also addressed the importance of ethics and character, advising the students to avoid vices such as examination malpractice, bribery, cultism, and sexual harassment — all of which have plagued some Nigerian universities. He called on both students and staff to set the highest standards for ASE, praising Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, the Vice-Chancellor, for his dynamic leadership.
Earlier, Prof. Adedimeji delivered an address titled “Three Principles, Six Stories,” in which he introduced ASE as an institution committed to addressing Africa’s critical challenges. He outlined the university’s core values, which he summarized with the acronym IDEAS: Integrity, Discipline, Excellence, Accountability, and Service.
Prof. Adedimeji urged the students to embrace curiosity, cultivate resilience, and maintain focus as essential principles for success. He also spoke on the importance of faith, trust, hope, confidence, love, and maintaining a positive attitude.
“Ultimately, always remember that you are part of something greater than yourself. You are part of a legacy of excellence, a tradition of innovation, and a commitment to making the world a better place,” he said.
The event also featured the matriculation oath administered by the Vice-Chancellor and remarks by ASE’s founder, Prof. Leonard Wantchecon, who shared his vision for the university and welcomed the students to the campus.
Dignitaries who attended the event included the Director-General of the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre, Dr. Soji Eniade; the Registrar of the African Aviation and Aerospace University, Dr. Mustapha Sheikh, represented by his Deputy Registrar, Mr. Dennis Onwukwe; and Dr. Kate Maduagwu, wife of the Board Chairman.
