The energy was palpable at the Jelili Omotola Multipurpose Hall on Friday, April 11, 2025, as the 2024/2025 Orientation Programme and Fair for fresh students of the University of Lagos entered its third day. With the theme “Eyes on the Future”, the session offered a powerful mix of insight, motivation, and engagement, tailor-made to equip the newest members of the university community for the life ahead.
The event featured an impressive lineup of guest speakers including the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso; the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Bolaji Ogunlende; and Mrs Giwa, a representative of the Special Adviser to the President on Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, Mr. Ayomide Adeagbo.
Standing-in for the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso took the stage with a message of purpose and ambition. Urging the students to begin their academic journey with clarity, he asked, “Where do you see yourself in the next 10 to 20 years?” He emphasized that “the clearer your vision, the more intentional your action will be to get there.”
Encouraging the students to set both personal and professional goals, he added: “A vision without a goal will remain a pipe dream. You should start small, but think big. Don’t wait till graduation before you start thinking about your future.”
Mr. Omotoso also stressed the value of extracurricular activities in building leadership and critical thinking skills. In a rousing call to action, he urged the students to “imbibe the Spirit of Lagos”, a mindset of resilience, innovation, and determination. Drawing on the inspirational stories of football star Victor Osimhen, actress Toyin Abraham, and cybersecurity expert Dr. Fene Osakwe, he painted Lagos as the land of possibility and encouraged students to plug into the State’s youth empowerment initiatives.
Adding another layer of inspiration, Mrs. Giwa – speaking on behalf of Mr. Ayomide Adeagbo – shared the story of the Special Adviser’s rise from a student photographer on the University of Ibadan campus to his current role in the presidency. Her message: “Balance your studies with your passion. Both matter.”
Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr. Bolaji Ogunlende brought the message home with a compelling interactive session. He challenged the new students to approach this new phase of their lives with diligence, boldness, and confidence.
“This is a phase where paying attention to details will determine whether you pass or fail,” he said. “You need confidence, because you cannot do anything if you are not confident.”
Encouraging the students to take bold steps towards their future, he declared, “A ‘No’ cannot kill you.” He also shared seven core values for success: Trust, Respect, Integrity, Passion, Transparency, Accountability, and Professionalism, urging the students to internalize and live by them.
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of Student Affairs, Professor Musa Obalola, expressed appreciation to the guest speakers for their time and inspiration. He encouraged the students to make the most of the wisdom shared and assured them of the University’s support throughout their academic journey.
A total of 8,004 fresh students are being matriculated into the University of Lagos for the 2024/2025 academic session – a new generation of minds with eyes on the future, now armed with the insight and inspiration to pursue it boldly.
Report: Isaiah Kumuyi
Photography: Joshua Michael
