The Afe Babalola University Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), has unveiled a dress code for students of the institution to reflect discipline, professionalism and identity for their chosen career.

The was just as the University matriculated no fewer than 2,764 fresh students, of whom are foreign students from the United Kingdom, Pakistan and Sierra Leone.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Smaranda Olarinde, spoke on Wednesday at the 17th Matriculation Ceremony of the institution, held at the ABUAD campus in Ado Ekiti.

Prof Olarinde said that at ABUAD, the dress code is unique, saying that it is part of students’ identity, reflecting discipline, professionalism and a clear sense of belonging to their chosen career.

“Male students: Shirts must be tucked in, and ties are mandatory. For female students, corporate dressing is required. Avoid provocative clothing, excessive jewellery, or flamboyant hairstyles. A neat and professional appearance stands you out,” she said.

According to her, each College has its designated colour, with the College of Engineering wearing Green and the College of Law wearing White on Black.

“College of Medicine & Health Sciences: Red, College of Pharmacy: Purple, College of Sciences: Light Yellow, College of Social and Management Sciences: Blue.

“Remember, the way you dress is the way you are addressed. Hold this standard proudly as part of ABUAD’s tradition.”

The VC reminded the fresh students that the university was founded on the core principles of labour, service, and integrity. “I urge you to embrace these values wholeheartedly, for they will make you better, bigger, brighter, and more brilliant.

“My dear matriculating students, allow me to share a nugget of wisdom I offered to those who came before you right in this Hall. Life at the university is quite different from the structured days of secondary school. Here, you are given a golden ticket to make choices, chart your path, and shape your destiny.

“But remember that with great freedom come great responsibilities and even greater distinctions. You’re now “independent”. This means your decisions will either fuel your success or become a barrier to your wheel of progress.

The onus is entirely on you to stay disciplined, focused, proactive and make the right decisions.

“Always remember that a delicate line separates brilliance from folly, and every decision you make moves you closer to one or the other. I therefore urge you, today and always, to choose wisely and carefully.”

She urged the new students to avoid bad company like a plague, saying, “Remember the words of George Washington: “It is far better to be alone than to be in bad company.” Steer clear of vices and anti-social behaviours that can derail your bright future.

“A university is not defined by impressive buildings or serene surroundings alone, but by its students who are committed learners prepared to transform knowledge into positive societal impact. Without students, there can be no university; and without quality students, excellence is impossible,” the VC said.

Prof Olarinde lauded the parents of the new students for the confidence they have reposed in the university by entrusting the education and holistic development of their child or children to ABUAD.

She assured that this University remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a nurturing, disciplined, and intellectually stimulating environment in which your wards will flourish academically, morally, and socially, emerging as well-rounded individuals prepared to lead, serve, inspire, and change the world for the better. (Guardian)