Chancellor and founder of Covenant University, David Oyedepo, has advised newly admitted students to embrace discipline as a foundation for long-term success.
Oyedepo delivered the charge on Friday at the university’s 24th matriculation ceremony in Ota, Ogun State, urging fresh students to resist peer pressure and remain committed to their academic and personal goals.
According to him, while discipline may be uncomfortable in the short term, its rewards far outweigh the consequences of indiscipline and regret.
“Pay today and play tomorrow, or play today and pay tomorrow,” Oyedepo said.
“No one will be more accomplished in his or her pursuit than he or she who is disciplined.”
He further stressed the importance of time management, describing it as a defining factor in personal growth and achievement.
“The worth of anyone’s time defines the worth of his life,” he added.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Timothy Anake, reaffirmed Covenant University’s commitment to continuous investment in infrastructure to enhance effective teaching and learning.
Anake also charged the new students to uphold the institution’s seven core values: spirituality, possibility mentality, capacity building, integrity, responsibility, diligence, and sacrifice.
Also speaking at the event, the Pro-Chancellor of the university and wife of the founder, Faith Oyedepo, urged the students to remain focused and disciplined throughout their academic journey.
She emphasised the importance Covenant University places on character development, warning that talent without character can become a liability.
“Pursue your programmes with first-class character,” she said, describing higher education as a demanding journey that requires discipline, focus, and strong values to complete successfully.
A total of 3,070 students, comprising 2,440 undergraduates and 630 postgraduates, were formally admitted into Covenant University for the 2025–2026 academic session.
