Oko-Irese, Kwara State – Thomas Adewumi University (TAU) has announced a bold new academic vision, challenging its students to graduate not only with degrees but also with globally competitive skills. At the institution’s sixth matriculation ceremony on Saturday, February 21, 2026, Vice-Chancellor Professor Francisca Oladipo told the 967 newly admitted students that fluency in four United Nations languages would be a graduation requirement.
“Arabic for Business. Chinese for Trade. French for Diplomacy. German for Science and Technology. These are not extras. They are your global passport,” Professor Oladipo declared. She described the students as “bright lights” joining a university committed to producing graduates who can compete anywhere in the world.
The Vice-Chancellor recounted TAU’s modest beginnings with just 66 students, noting that “greatness does not begin with size, it begins with seed.” Today, the university ranks fourth among 13 universities in Kwara State, sixth among 168 private universities in Nigeria, and 45th among 312 universities nationwide. The campus operates largely on solar energy and produces about 75 percent of its food through sustainable farming practices.
In addition to language mastery, Professor Oladipo explained that students would graduate with both academic degrees and internationally recognised microcredentials through partnerships with platforms like edX, Coursera, IBM SkillsBuild, Microsoft Emerging Academy, Oracle Academy, Huawei Technologies, and MIT OpenCourseWare. “With our edX initiatives, you will graduate not with one certificate but with a portfolio of verified competencies from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Columbia, Berkeley, Amazon, and Google in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cloud Computing, Project Management, Cybersecurity, and Digital Marketing,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted TAU’s focus on entrepreneurship and community service, insisting that students must demonstrate practical skills and complete at least 60 hours of community service before graduation. “Start a company, build a product, solve a problem. Nigeria does not need more applicants but more founders,” she charged.
Discipline remains non-negotiable at TAU. Professor Oladipo warned against examination malpractice, indecent behaviour, and bullying, reminding students that their matriculation oath is a covenant with the university. She encouraged the new class, christened Team Flourite, to embrace the institution’s vision: “You are not merely enrolling in a university, you are becoming part of an ongoing history of greatness. Welcome home. Welcome to TAU. Welcome to your future.”
Pro-Chancellor Professor Victor Olarewaju echoed the call for discipline, focus, and spiritual grounding. “If you want a successful journey, you must be disciplined and responsible. Your primary purpose here is your education,” he said, urging students to manage their time wisely and remain close to God as the foundation for lasting success.
Founder and Chancellor Engr. Dr. Johnson Bamidele Olorunsola Adewumi further reminded students that brilliance alone does not guarantee success. “Time management is the key. Skills will be your meal ticket. Some of you should aspire to start and run your own companies before leaving this university,” he advised. He also encouraged patience and support from parents and stakeholders as the university continues to strengthen its infrastructure and global outlook.
With these initiatives, TAU is positioning itself as a university that not only produces graduates but also future-ready leaders capable of thriving on the global stage.