You Are in Covenant University to Advance Knowledge – Vice-Chancellor

The Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Timothy Anake, has charged fresh and returning postgraduate students to recognise that their admission into the University is merit-based and purposeful. He stressed that they were selected from among many applicants to advance knowledge that will illuminate Africa and the global community.

Professor Anake made this assertion while delivering his welcome address at the Postgraduate Orientation Programme for new and returning students, held on Tuesday, January 20, 2025, at the Covenant University Centre for Research, Innovation and Discovery (CUCRID) Auditorium.

While warmly welcoming the students back to campus for the new academic year, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised that their presence in Covenant University goes beyond occupying academic space. He noted that they are being groomed as high-impact research fellows, particularly as the University advances into the third year of its Vision 7–20–30 agenda, which is anchored on outstanding, product-based research outcomes.

According to him, the University has put in place robust research support systems, including funding assistance and publication support, to enable postgraduate students to excel in their scholarly pursuits. He encouraged them to take full advantage of the serene academic environment and research-friendly ecosystem provided by the University, urging them to remain focused and driven in order to “own their world.”

Professor Anake further explained that Covenant University operates on a distinctive departure philosophy that differ from experiences in other institutions, especially for students who did not undertake their undergraduate studies at the University. He stated that this ethos instilled from the 100 Level through doctoral studies  was designed to bring out the best in students and position them as transformational leaders wherever they  went. He, therefore, charged the postgraduate students to align with the University’s core values and principles for the advancement of society.

He concluded by congratulating the students on gaining admission into the prestigious Covenant University School of Postgraduate Studies, praying that their academic journey would yield outstanding results and impactful contributions in their respective fields that would make Africa proud.

Earlier in the programme, the Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Professor Conrad Omonhinmin, welcomed the students and presented an overview of the School’s vision, structure, and expectations. The Director of CUCRID and immediate past Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Abiodun Adebayo, also addressed the students on research expectations and publication standards.

Other members of the University Management who spoke at the orientation included the Registrar, Mr. Emmanuel Igban, who spoke on Covenant University’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values; the Director, Centre for Learning Resources, Professor Olufunke Oladipupo, who spoke on library services, e-resources, and digital research tools; the Director, Centre for Systems and Information Services (CSIS), Mrs. Priscilla Ajayi, who handled ICT orientation on portal usage, email activation, and online platforms; and the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr. Felix Chidozie, who addressed issues relating to student life, welfare, and extracurricular activities.

The orientation programme featured interactive sessions during which the new and returning postgraduate students engaged members of the University Management, sought clarifications, and familiarised themselves with the academic and administrative processes of Covenant University.