The Vice-Chancellor of Thomas Adewumi University (TAU), Oko-Irese, Kwara State, Professor Francisca Oladipo, has urged newly admitted students to embrace compulsory learning of four United Nations languages: French, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), and German, describing them as essential passports to global relevance.
Speaking at the institution’s 6th matriculation ceremony on February 21, 2026, where 967 students (939 undergraduates and 29 postgraduates) were formally admitted, Oladipo declared that the era of graduating with certificates alone was over.
“Arabic for business. Chinese for trade. French for diplomacy. German for science and technology. These are not extra languages, they are your global passport,” she said.
The VC explained that the university’s Foreign Language Centre will ensure functional fluency in the four languages, positioning graduates for opportunities within and outside Nigeria. She also highlighted the institution’s dual-certification model, which requires students to graduate with both academic degrees and international microcredentials in fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and Digital Marketing.
Reflecting on the university’s growth from just 66 students at inception, Oladipo noted that Thomas Adewumi University now ranks among the top private institutions in Kwara State, with a campus powered largely by solar energy and producing 75% of its food needs through sustainable agriculture.
Beyond academics, students must complete at least 60 hours of community service and demonstrate entrepreneurial competence. “Nigeria does not need more applicants but more founders,” Oladipo charged, stressing zero tolerance for examination malpractice and indiscipline.
In his remarks, Pro-Chancellor Professor Victor Olarewaju urged students to embrace discipline, focus, and godliness, while Founder and Chancellor, Engr. Dr. Johnson Bamidele Olorunsola Adewumi, cautioned against excessive social media use and emphasized time management as key to success.
The ceremony, attended by parents, guardians, staff, and well-wishers, reinforced the university’s vision of raising globally competitive, disciplined, and solution-driven graduates from Kwara State to the world.
By Kayode Abdulazeez, Ilorin
