Starting university is a big moment—and for 170 students, that journey has just officially begun in Ekiti State.
At its third matriculation ceremony, Hillside University of Science and Technology welcomed new students into its academic community.
The intake cuts across 35 programmes, including competitive courses like Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Science, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Economics, and Mass Communication.
For many young Nigerians, gaining admission into such fields is more than a milestone; it’s a step closer to career dreams in a tough academic and job landscape.
The Vice-Chancellor, Iheanyichukwu Okoro, reminded students that university life goes beyond lectures and exams.
“This is a community bound by integrity and driven by excellence,” he said, urging them to reflect those values in their academics and daily conduct.
He also emphasised something many students often overlook the importance of building character alongside chasing grades.
According to him, the school’s approach focuses on developing the “head, heart, and hands”—that is, intellectual ability, moral values, and practical skills.
In a time when many graduates struggle to find jobs, the university says it is pushing an entrepreneurial mindset—training students not just to look for jobs, but to create them.
That message hits home for students navigating Nigeria’s uncertain job market, where skills and innovation are becoming just as important as degrees.
The ceremony also featured the administration of the matriculation oath by the registrar, Mercy Lyons, officially marking the students’ entry into the institution.
Among those present were Ishola Ganiyu of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and traditional representatives from Okemesi-Ekiti.
As these students settle into a new chapter, the real challenge begins—balancing academics, personal growth, and future ambitions.
Because in today’s Nigeria, getting into university is just the first step—what you make of it is what truly counts.
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