By joshua 
15th Matriculation: Build your foundation on a solid rock, FUOYE VC, Fasina, Charges fresh students
…as varsity matriculates 11, 327 fresh students
By Wole Balogun
The fourth substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Prof. Abayomi Sunday Fasina, has charged the fresh students admitted for the 2025/2026 academic session, to ensure that they build the foundation of their academic journey in the University on a solid rock. He said doing this would guarantee brighter future for them in their chosen careers in life.
Prof. Fasina, who was delivering his valedictory matriculation speech, titled, “Building a House on the Solid Rock: Foundations for a Successful Future”, on Thursday at the 1000 capacity Hall on the main Oye campus, went down memory lane on his sojourn in the University as the Chief Executive, and declared that he survived the challenging tenure because he had built his foundation on a solid rock. He acknowledged the Almighty God for a well accomplished mission as Vice-Chancellor.
The admirable VC and astute academic taught the fresh students on how to build the foundation of their academic journey on a solid rock. He listed such values as integrity, hardwork, resilience, communal spirit, and curiosity and learning as very germane to building a foundation on a solid rock.
His words: “Two things are very important in the life of a student, matriculation and convocation, I pray that you shall convocate in Jesus. I congratulate the 11, 327 of you fresh students. Our projection at my assumption in office was to be admitting 8000 and we have surpassed that figure since. Today marks the beginning of a successful journey in your life. It is more than a format, it is an official into academic journey with us.
“I am a true example of the fact that: ‘Excellence honours GOD’. The story of building a house on the rock rather than on sand is a timeless lesson. A house built on rock withstands storms and adversity, while one built on sand crumbles when challenges arise. As you embark on your University education, I urge you to focus on laying a firm foundation for your future. one that will support you throughout life’s inevitable challenges.
“The values you must imbibe to build your foundation on a solid rock are these: Integrity: Uphold honesty in your academics and personal conduct. Integrity is the cornerstone upon which trust and respect are built. Let it guide your choices and actions, your focus and interactions: Hard Work: Dedication and effort are non-negotiable. Success hardly ever comes overnight, but with persistence, your efforts will yield lasting results. I can assure you that this academic family values and rewards hard work, so, do the best you can per time.
“Another one is Curiosity and Learning: Nurture a passion for learning. Allow your curiosity to drive you beyond textbooks — explore new ideas, ask questions, and seek understanding. This is the way of the future, my dear students and listeners: Resilience: There will be challenges, setbacks, and disappointments on this journey – both foreseen and unforeseen. My experience has taught me that you must meet challenges with resilience, learning from each experience and growing stronger. Growth marked by development can take you to places and get you to relate with some of the greatest people in the world. So, never ever give up!
“Another yet, is Community: You are not alone on this journey. In order to lay a solid foundation for your own future, do well to lean on your peers, our willing Professors, and the teeming support staff that the University has employed to make your academic journey worthwhile. Collaboration and friendship are two spices that enrich the University experience and provide a network that extends far beyond graduation. Let these and you will see the wonderful transformation.
“The knowledge, skills, and values you acquire here are the building blocks for your future. Whether you become entrepreneurs, scientists, artists, or leaders in your communities, the strength of your foundation will determine how high you can build and how well you can withstand life’s storms. I know this firsthand as I have seen many of my former students who allowed themselves to truly learn while in school, go on to achieve both imagined and unimaginable successes. I sincerely wish you life’s best on all fronts.
“My Parting Words to you are, as I prepare to leave my role as Vice-Chancellor, I am reminded of the many students who have walked these halls, faced their storms, and emerged stronger. I have every confidence that you, too, will build your house on the rock— a foundation that will support you for years to come.”
SOURCE: FUOYE WEBSITE