Abuja varsity urges fresh students to prioritise time management

At the African School of Economics (Pan-African University of Excellence) in Abuja, the recent matriculation ceremony was more than just a formal welcome for newly admitted students. It was a pivotal moment where Vice Chancellor Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji delivered a profound message, urging the incoming cohort to seize the present moment as a gift and a crucial tool for shaping their futures.

“

You are just starting and before you are terrains to be explored, depths to be reached and treasures to be discovered. The opportunities are vast and your responsibility is to utilise them by maximising the use of your time. All you have is the present of the present to guarantee your future.

Adedimeji's address, "Your Present Is Your Present," resonated with a dual meaning, highlighting that the time students have now is both a gift and an opportunity. He stressed that this present moment, this "gift" of being present and having the opportunity to study, is something denied to many. Therefore, he implored them to utilize it wisely for their academic pursuits and personal development, warning against distractions that could derail their progress.

“

While the first present refers to a period of time, the moment we are in, the second refers to a gift. In other words, the moment you have now or the opportunity of life you enjoy is your gift or present to transform your world.

The university's commitment to fostering holistic development was further underscored by the guest lecture from Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development. His lecture, "University Education as a Catalyst for Poverty Eradication," aligned with the institution's vision of equipping students not just with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills. The emphasis on research, vocational training, and identifying one's passion in alignment with global needs reflects a forward-thinking approach to education, aiming to produce graduates who are not only academically sound but also capable of contributing meaningfully to society and achieving financial independence.

“

It is your responsibility to identify and harmonise what you love and what you are good at with what the world needs and what you can be paid for. You are welcome to the university and I encourage you to never rest until you always become better than the best elsewhere.