The University of Offa (UNIOFFA), Kwara State, on Thursday, January 22, 2026, matriculated 351 fresh students at its 4th Matriculation Ceremony.
The Varsity Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kazeem Alagbe Gbolagade also unveiled a five-point agenda aimed at repositioning the institution as a world-class university.
Professor Gbolagade during his address said the ceremony was historic as it was the first matriculation under his leadership since he assumed office on September 15, 2025.
He said the occasion is both a turning point and a new beginning in the annals of the university.
The Vice-Chancellor outlined his administration’s five-point agenda to include transforming the University of Offa into a financially sustainable institution; building an IT-driven and paperless university system; improving staff and student welfare; ensuring a conducive learning environment; and promoting policy-oriented research alongside strong collaboration with industry.
He disclosed that over 400 candidates sought admission into the university for the 2025/2026 academic session, out of which 351 were offered admission across various disciplines after what he described as strict and rigorous screening processes.
Professor Gbolagade Congratulated the new students and their parents, and urged the matriculants to commit themselves to serious and purposeful academic pursuits.
He also warned that any student with a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) below 1.0 at the end of a session would be withdrawn.
He stressed that the university operates a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, including cultism, examination malpractice, indecent dressing, violence, theft, and membership of unregistered associations, urging students to familiarise themselves with the institution’s code of conduct.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted opportunities available to students, including work-study schemes, strong entrepreneurship training, ICT capacity building, student exchange programmes, and prospects for scholarships and start-up grants.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Founder of the University of Offa and Babalaje of Offaland, Chief Dr. Abdulrasaq Omoniyi Oyewale, congratulated the matriculating students and urged them to face their studies “very squarely.”
He reminded them that discipline, focus and character were as important as academic excellence.
He reiterated the commitment of the university’s proprietors to providing quality education and a learning environment that would prepare students for leadership and service to humanity.
The ceremony featured the administration of the matriculation oath by the Registrar, Mr. Oyewale Salaudeen Ajibola, with Deans of the faculties presenting students for the oath, while the Nigerian Navy Band, led by Warrant Officer Oyeleke O. R., provided ceremonial music.
Among the dignitaries present were the Vice-Chancellor of Thomas Adewumi University, Professor Francisca Oladipo; the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Engr. Dr. Kamoru O. Kadiri who was represented; the Rector of International Vocational, Technical and Entrepreneurship College (IVTEC), Engr. Dr. Yaru S. Saliu; and representatives of Summit University, Offa, including Dr. Asimiyu Olalekan Muraina and the Acting Registrar, Mr. Mustapha Abayomi.
Others included the Deputy Area Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), DRC A. T. Afolayan; Mallam Abdulwaheed Onikanhun, Registrar of Ahman Pategi University; senior academics, traditional and community leaders, members of the Board of Trustees led by Alhaji Kunle Oyewale, and members of the press.
The event marked the formal end of the 2025/2026 admission process and the beginning of academic life for the new intakes at the fast-growing private university.
