Ahead of its 32nd matriculation ceremony, the Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Prof. Christopher Kalu Okoro, has urged newly admitted students to prioritize discipline and a focused pursuit of their life’s purpose, warning that distractions can create “a lifetime of dark memories.”
Prof. Okoro delivered the charge on Thursday during the institution’s orientation program for fresh students, speaking on the theme, “The Journey to Self-Discovery: Knowing Your Purpose Early.”
He emphasized that securing admission was not a matter of chance but a pivotal opportunity for growth. Greatness, he noted, is not an accident but the result of consistent effort over time. In a strong message to the incoming class, the Rector cautioned against prioritizing certificates over competence.
“The world you are entering does not reward certificates alone; it rewards value,” Prof. Okoro stated. “Certificates may give you access, but the value you create determines whether you are sought after or neglected.”
He encouraged students to discover, develop, and direct their purpose early, urging them to remain true to their values beyond the pursuit of academic qualifications. “Purpose is not a wish; it requires deliberate effort. At the end of the day, your skills will speak louder than your grades,” he added.
Addressing concerns reportedly raised by students, the Rector reaffirmed his administration’s firm stance against the sale of textbooks and all forms of exploitation on campus. He assured the new students of his management’s continued commitment to their welfare, in alignment with the vision of the state government, promising that their rights and entitlements would be fully protected.
Prof. Okoro also pledged to sustain a peaceful and conducive learning environment and used the occasion to encourage students to fulfill their civic duty by participating in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
He advised the students to engage in deep self-reflection, identifying who they are, why they are in school, and the problems they are uniquely positioned to solve. He stressed that early self-awareness is a critical ingredient for success, and emphasized the importance of hard work, innovation, and service, cautioning them against making excuses.
Some students who spoke with our correspondent after the event expressed appreciation for the Rector’s firm assurances, particularly regarding the ban on the sale of textbooks. The institution’s 32nd matriculation ceremony is scheduled for March 21, 2026.
