TAU Raises the Bar: VC orders compulsory Arabic, Chinese, French, German languages as 967 students matriculate

The Vice-Chancellor of Thomas Adewumi University, Oko-Irese, Kwara State, Professor Francisca Oladipo, has mandated the compulsory learning of four United Nations languages for all students, describing multilingual proficiency as a “passport to the global market.”

 

Oladipo announced the policy during the institution’s 6th matriculation ceremony, where 967 students — comprising 939 undergraduates and 29 postgraduates — were formally admitted into the university.

 

Addressing the matriculating class, christened Team Flourite, the Vice-Chancellor urged the new students to see their admission as a call to global relevance rather than a routine academic pursuit.

 

“The era of graduating with certificates alone is over,” she declared.

 

Emphasising the institution’s global vision, Oladipo stated that every student must attain functional fluency in French, Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin) and German — in addition to English — through the university’s Foreign Language Centre.

 

“Arabic for business. Chinese for trade. French for diplomacy. German for science and technology. These are not extra languages; they are your global passport,” she said.

 

According to her, the policy is designed to position graduates for opportunities both within and outside Nigeria, equipping them with the linguistic advantage needed in an increasingly interconnected world.

 

From 66 Students to Global Ambition

 

Reflecting on the university’s growth, Oladipo recalled that the institution began with just 66 students a few years ago.

 

“Many believed the vision of a university in a quaint village was too ambitious. But greatness does not begin with size; it begins with a seed,” she noted.

 

She added that the university now ranks among the leading private institutions in Kwara State and Nigeria, highlighting its sustainability initiatives. The campus operates largely on solar energy and produces about 75 per cent of its food needs through sustainable agricultural practices.

 

Dual Certification and Global Skills

 

Beyond language requirements, the Vice-Chancellor disclosed that the university operates a dual-certification model. Under the system, students must graduate not only with academic degrees but also with international micro-credentials.

 

Through partnerships with global learning platforms such as edX and Coursera, as well as leading technology firms, students are expected to earn at least two industry-recognised certifications in high-demand fields before graduation.

 

“With our initiatives, you will graduate not with one certificate but with a portfolio of verified competencies in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cloud Computing, Project Management, Cybersecurity and Digital Marketing. These are the skills employers are paying for,” she said.

 

Students are also required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of community service and demonstrate entrepreneurial competence.

 

“Start a company, build a product, solve a problem. Nigeria does not need more applicants; it needs more founders,” Oladipo charged, reiterating the institution’s zero-tolerance policy for examination malpractice, bullying and other forms of indiscipline.

 

Discipline, Focus and Time Management

 

In his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Victor Olarewaju, urged students to embrace discipline, responsibility and godliness as pillars of a successful academic journey.

 

“If you want to succeed here, you must be disciplined. The consequences of misconduct can include suspension or expulsion,” he warned, advising students to manage their time effectively and avoid distractions.

 

Founder and Chancellor of the university, Engr. Dr. Johnson Bamidele Olorunsola Adewumi, also challenged students to shun excessive social media use and focus on developing practical skills.

 

“You can be brilliant and still not succeed if you do not manage your time. The future belongs to those who can demonstrate competence. Your skill will be your meal ticket,” he said.

 

The founder expressed appreciation to the Kwara State Government, the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army for strengthening security in the area.

 

The ceremony attracted parents, guardians, staff and well-wishers, who were encouraged to support the institution’s vision of producing disciplined, globally competitive and solution-driven graduates.