Professor Peace Chinedum Babalola, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the immediate past Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, urged matriculants at Hillside University of Science and Technology (HUST) to "always think outside the box" and to recognize that "we can't keep doing things the same way," during her keynote address at the University's Second Matriculation Ceremony. Her call for innovative thinking was inspired by a powerful quote from Albert Einstein, which she used to emphasize the importance of fresh perspectives: "Our current problems cannot be solved with the same level of thinking which created them."
Addressing a packed audience at the Odubabaakoko Auditorium, Professor Babalola captured the essence of the ceremony’s theme, "Learners to Leaders: Knowledge, Enterprise, and Growth." She challenged the new students to actively shape their own educational paths and to view learning as a lifelong pursuit.
"A learner is more than a student; learning is not confined to the classroom," she stated, encouraging the audience to embrace a mindset of continuous growth and evolution. She elaborated on how "learning leads to Knowledge, Enterprise, and Growth," breaking down each component to illuminate its significance.
"Knowledge is the foundation of leadership," she explained, noting that it enables informed decisions and effective problem-solving. She described enterprise as the act of "turning knowledge into action—innovation, creating, and taking calculated risks." On the concept of growth, she emphasized that it transcends personal development and involves "collective transformation."
To foster success, Professor Babalola shared practical advice with the matriculants: "Ask the right questions, identify a need, acquire skills, and join a community." Her guidance aimed to equip the students with the tools they need to navigate their academic journeys effectively.
In a call to educators present, she urged them to find creative inspiration and infuse enthusiasm into their teaching. "Believe in your students' potential, learn everything you can about your field, be fun and energetic, take risks, and think outside the box," she encouraged, emphasizing the importance of fostering a creative learning environment.
Highlighting the role of critical thinking in education, she articulated, "It involves analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information in a logical, reflective, and systematic manner." She reiterated that "knowledge is power, but application is the real power," advocating for an entrepreneurial mindset among students to unlock innovation and embrace risks.
Discussing growth, she insisted it encompasses more than academics: "Strive for holistic growth in every aspect of life, including personal development and character building."
Finally, Professor Babalola defined effective leadership as the hallmark of those who inspire trust and lead by example. "Leaders motivate others and guide through uncertainty. Leadership can emerge from any background as long as it is characterized by vision, integrity, and decisive action." She concluded her address with a thought-provoking question: “Who and what are you?” challenging students to reflect on their roles as future leaders.
The Matriculation Ceremony at HUST not only celebrated the beginning of a new academic journey for students but also served as a rallying cry to embrace innovation and challenge conventional thinking as they step into roles as leaders of tomorrow.
