****SUN VC, PROF NDUKA URAIH”s ADDRESS ON THE OCCASION OF THE COMBINED FIRST AND SECOND MATRICULATION CEREMONY OF THE SPORTS UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, IDUMUJE -UGBOKO, DELTA STATE. ON THIS 5th DAY OF MARCH, 2025.
Distinguished guests, Principal Officers of the University, esteemed Professors, Lecturers, and most importantly, our matriculating students – welcome to this inaugural combined matriculation ceremony of the Sports University of Nigeria!
Today marks a momentous occasion, as we gather to celebrate the beginning of your academic journeys here at this University dedicated to the blend of academic excellence with Sports. You have chosen to embark on a path that is both challenging and immensely rewarding – one that will test the limits of your physical abilities, challenge the boundaries of your mental fortitude, and forge the core of your character.
As you take your seats here today, my dear students, I encourage you to reflect deeply on the reasons that have drawn you to this place. Was it a lifelong passion for a particular academic field or sports? A burning desire to represent your nation on the global stage? Or perhaps a profound belief that through the mastery of your physical form or intellectual prowess, you can unlock the true potential?
Whatever your motivations may be, hold them close to your heart. For it is this intrinsic drive, this insatiable hunger to excel, that will be the wellspring from which you draw your strength in the days and years to come.
Now, as you embark on this transformative journey, it is important to understand that the Sports University of Nigeria operates under a strict code of conduct and academic policies. These guidelines are not mere formalities, but rather the foundation upon which the integrity and excellence of this University are built.
You will be expected to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty, attending all your classes and training sessions with unwavering commitment. Tardiness, absenteeism, and any form of academic dishonesty will simply not be tolerated. Similarly, we have a zero-tolerance policy for any behavior that compromises the safety, well-being, or dignity of your fellow students or staff.
These rules may seem stringent, but they are in place to ensure that this University remains a nurturing environment where you can thrive, both academically and Sports. By adhering to these guidelines, you will not only cultivate the discipline and self-control essential for success, but you will also foster a University culture of mutual respect, comradeship and collective excellence.
You see, the path of your choosing Sports University of Nigeria is not merely one of physical prowess, but also of academic and philosophical enlightenment.
In the pursuit of greatness in academics and on the field of play, you will confront the very limits of your abilities, the boundaries of your endurance, and the fragility of your mortal form. It is in these moments of struggle and self-discovery that you will begin to unravel the mysteries of the human condition.
Through the crucible of blending Academics with Sports, you will learn the value of discipline, the power of perseverance, and the humility to accept both triumph and defeat with equal grace in your studies. You will forge an unbreakable bond with your classmates, forged in the fires of shared hardship and the pursuit of a common goal.
And in doing so, you will come to understand the true meaning of comradeship, of sacrifice, and of the strength that lies in unity.
So as you begin this journey, I urge you to embrace the challenges that lie ahead with open arms. Treat every course, every lecture, every setback and every victory as an opportunity to deepen your understanding of yourselves and the world around you. For it is through this process of continuous growth and self-discovery that you will not only become exceptional students, but exceptional human beings.
Remember, the true measure of your success will not be found in the trophies you win or the academic records you break, but in the indelible mark you leave in the world through your actions, your leadership, and the positive impact you have on those around you.
Once again,
I say Congratulations! May your time here at the Sports University of Nigeria be a transformative experience that propels you towards a future filled with purpose, passion, and the realization of your fullest potential.
God bless you all
God bless Sports University of Nigeria.
“The Citadel for Excellence”