The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has matriculated a total of six thousand and eleven (6,011) newly admitted students into its Distance Learning Institute (DLI) for the 2025/2026 Academic Session.
The matriculation ceremony was held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Nurudeen Alao Auditorium, Distance Learning Institute, UNILAG.
Addressing the matriculating students, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, described distance learning as the future of lifelong education and urged the new students to pursue their academic journey with commitment, excellence, integrity, and service to humanity.
She congratulated the students on securing admission into UNILAG and charged them to brace up for the courage, resilience, discipline, and sacrifice required for academic success.
According to the Vice-Chancellor, the students’ decision to study at UNILAG reflects their determination to improve themselves and contribute meaningfully to society.
While noting that university education extends beyond the acquisition of certificates, Professor Ogunsola assured the newly admitted students of the University’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports both academic and personal development.
“Our libraries, learning facilities, and dedicated staff are here to help you excel, and we will continue to strengthen our systems, improve learning experiences, and support your aspirations,” she stated.
Beyond academics, the Vice-Chancellor encouraged the students to take advantage of the vocational and entrepreneurial opportunities available within the University in order to prepare themselves for leadership and self-reliance in an increasingly dynamic world.
Professor Ogunsola also reminded the students that they are ambassadors of the University and urged them to uphold the core values of excellence, integrity, accountability, innovation, and service in their conduct at all times.
She further charged them to “carry yourselves always with dignity and responsibility, respect your lecturers, support your fellow students, and engage one another with civility and empathy. Our society today urgently needs educated men and women who are not only knowledgeable, but also compassionate, ethical, and socially responsible.”
Reaffirming the value and significance of distance learning, the Vice-Chancellor cautioned the new students against diminishing their worth or potential as distance learners.
“On the contrary, your ability to pursue education despite competing responsibilities demonstrates extraordinary strength and determination,” she said.
Earlier, the Director of the Distance Learning Institute, Professor Risikat Dauda, presented the 6,011 matriculating students to the University Registrar, Mrs. Victoria Wickliffe, who subsequently administered the Matriculation Oath.
The administration of the oath formally admitted the students into the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of students of the University of Lagos.
After the matriculation ceremony, an Orientation Programme for the fresh students unfolded seamlessly. The programme highlighted the resources available within the University, and mindset necessary for a successful academic journey. It featured key resource persons who made presentations on topics such as:
- Attributes of Successful Distance Learners: Mastering Time Management;
- Use of Distance Learning Portals, Learning Management System (LMS) and Online Interactions;
- Security Tips on Campus;
- DLI Library Facilities/Library Accessibilities;
- Assessment and grading systems, including GPA/CGPA calculations; and
- Use of Medical Centre; among others.
Throughout the orientation session, the new students were walked through the core attributes of a successful distance learner such as time management, self-motivation, and resourcefulness.
Report: Gbenga Gbelee
Report Editor: Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem
Photograph: Samuel Dosumu
