The Federal College of Forestry in Ibadan on Friday conducted the matriculation of students newly admitted for its 2022/2023 academic session.
203 students, comprising 107 National Diploma (ND) and 96 Higher National Diploma (HND) students, took the matriculation oath for the academic session.
Prof. Nureni Adewole of the Department of Wood Products Engineering, University of Ibadan, while delivering the matriculation lecture, advised the matriculating students on their future.
“You should see your matriculation into the college as a stepping stone to discovering your purpose in life.
“You need to keep your purpose in focus, make the best of the opportunities that technology offers in your studies, and prepare to overcome failure.
“Carefully select friends and ensure proper management of your time and health, among others,” he said.
Adewole noted that greatness is not in the library but in the individual student who makes use of the opportunity the library offers.
“It is time to be deliberate about your personal growth. The paradigm change now is having multiple streams of income.
“Use your holiday and leisure time to learn a new skill, make conscious efforts to apply yourself to learning.
“Face your studies not just to pass your exam, which is important, but to attain skills that will help you in the future.
“These are the attributes that distinguish a well-rounded individual. They also serve as coping strategies and help one to relax when the stress gets to a head,” he said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Dr Zacharia Buba-Yaduma, urged parents not to see Forestry as a useless profession.
He added that the institute would utilize studies in Forestry by giving the chance for parents to give adequate support to the academic pursuit of their wards in the college.
Buba-Yaduma, who is also the institution’s Visitor, charged the college members of staff to invest in the lives of their students as their biological children.
He enjoined the students also to make the best out of the freedom of being in-charge of their personal lives.
Earlier, the Provost, Federal College of Forestry in Ibadan, Prof. Adeboyin Aderounmu, charged the students to strive to emulate the good examples laid by the college’s good alumni.
Aderounmu urged the matriculating students to be very serious with their academic studies, their primary motive of being in the college.
“You can be what you want to be, if you work hard at it.
“Make friends that will impact you positively as the college has zero tolerance for unruly behavior, cult-related activities, examination malpractice and indecent dressing.
“Permit me to also point out to you that our programs are practically oriented, and as such students are expected to take their practical sessions very seriously.
”This is why failure in the practical of any course is failure in that course.
“I should also impress it on you that our certificates are issued to only students found worthy both in character and in learning.
“You have all worked so hard to get to this stage in your educational pursuits. I wish to encourage you not to relent.
“Maintain a high flying spirit and ensure you finish well. I hope and pray that you will have an academically rewarding time in the college,” she said.
Aderounmu commended the college management, unions and students for ensuring that peace reigned throughout her tenure as provost.
She prayed that the next Provost would rise even higher in terms of positive contributions to the development of the institution.
