WELCOME ADDRESS BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, AFE BABALOLA UNIVERSITY, ADO-EKITI (ABUAD), PROF. E. SMARANDA OLARINDE, FCARB, FCAI, ON THE OCCASION OF THE FINAL YEAR STUDENTS’ NYSC PRE-MOBILIZATION BRIEFING, HOLDEN 12NOON, 8TH MAY, 2025, ALFA BELGORE HALL

Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Faculty Members, Dear Final-Year Students,

On behalf of the Founder, Aare Afe Emmanuel Babalola, OFR, CON, SAN, the Governing Council, the Senate, and the Management of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), I warmly welcome you all to this significant occasion. It is my distinct honour and pleasure to address you at the NYSC Pre-Mobilization Briefing for our final-year students.

This event marks a pivotal moment in your academic journey, as you prepare to transition from the structured environment of university life to the broader landscape of national service and professional endeavours.

At Afe Babalola University, we are committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are not only academically proficient but also socially responsible and ethically grounded. The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program embodies these values, offering a platform for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national development, foster unity, and gain invaluable life experiences.

As you stand on the threshold of this new chapter, I urge you to approach the NYSC with enthusiasm, resilience, and an open mind. Embrace the diversity of cultures, ideas, and challenges you will encounter. Let your conduct reflect the excellence and integrity that ABUAD instils in its students.

This briefing is designed to equip you with essential information and guidance to navigate the NYSC process effectively. I encourage you to engage actively, ask questions, and absorb the insights shared by our knowledgeable facilitators.

Remember, your actions during the service year can leave a lasting impact on the communities you serve and on your personal growth. I urge you to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, empathy, and dedication.

I heartily congratulate you all on reaching this important milestone, and I pray that every moment spent in service to the country and humanity may be enriching, transformative, and a stepping stone to greater achievements.

Thank you, and I wish you all the very best.