Historic day at Wesley University, Ondo as 1,288 students matriculate

Wesley University, Ondo, has marked a historic milestone with the matriculation of 1,288 students, marking a significant moment in the institution’s growth and academic excellence.

The significant announcement was made by the Vice-Chancellor, Rt. Rev. Prof. Samuel Sunday Obeka (JP), during the 18th Matriculation Ceremony on Friday.

In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor expressed delight over the growth of the faith-based institution, stating that the new matriculants were joining the university at a time of transformation and advancement.

He noted that Wesley University is currently witnessing academic and infrastructural development across all levels, including the accreditation of 25 new academic programmes, bringing the total to about 60 spanning undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional studies.

Professor Obeka congratulated the students and their families, describing them as fortunate to be admitted into a university that emphasizes not just academic excellence, but also moral and spiritual values.

He encouraged the new students to stay focused, avoid social vices, and commit themselves to their studies, promising that the university’s structured calendar ensures timely graduation for all programs.

“Here at Wesley, one year is one year. A two-year programme won’t exceed two years,” he emphasized, assuring parents and stakeholders of the university’s commitment to excellence and integrity in education.

According to the Vice-Chancellor, the ceremony was graced with the goodwill and felicitation of esteemed leaders and partners of the university.

He announced that the Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Aba; the Chairman of the University Board of Trustees, Barrister Femi Atteh; the Chancellor of Wesley University and founder of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Senior Pastor Dr. Paul Enenche; the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Jejelola Ola Jones; and the Chairman of Wesley University Partners, Sir Demola Aladekomo, all extended their warm congratulations to the entire Wesley University community on this significant milestone.

Their collective support, he said, continues to inspire the university’s upward.

The Vice-Chancellor went on to highlight some major developments within the university.

He announced that Wesley University, in partnership with key stakeholders led by Sir Demola Aladekomo, has commenced infrastructural work at the university’s permanent site located along the Ore road.

The site, which is on over 200 hectares of land freely donated by the Ondo Kingdom, will host major academic facilities and a groundbreaking Deaf Space Project.

“We are the only university in Nigeria where deaf students are integrated into all academic programmes using sign language. We have trained interpreters and are collaborating with Gallaudet University in the United States to build a world-class Deaf Space institution,” Professor Obeka explained.

Despite these achievements, the Vice-Chancellor decried the lack of access to federal funding for private institutions, lamenting that private universities are not included in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) scheme—a situation he described as unfair and detrimental to national development.

“Our students and lecturers contribute meaningfully to national growth. It is unjust that private universities are neglected in TETFund allocations while federal and state universities enjoy the benefits,” he said. He called on the Federal Government to reconsider its policies and provide equitable support to all institutions, especially in light of the increasing brain drain in Nigeria’s medical and academic sectors.

Wesley University, he noted, has continued to thrive through the support of its partners, alumni, and friends of the institution. Families such as the Badejo, Odejayi, and Akingbule have donated facilities including hostel blocks, while a prominent daughter of Ondo Kingdom is currently building a four-classroom block expected to be completed before the 2025 convocation.

Another major highlight of the ceremony was the announcement that, for the first time since the university’s inception, all graduating students—including PhD, Masters, and PGD candidates—will receive their original certificates on the day of convocation, slated for November 22, 2025.

“We have begun external examination defense for postgraduate students, and I’m proud to announce that many were rated first-class researchers by their examiners,” Obeka added.