Sam Maris University (SMU), Supare-Akoko, Ondo State, has charged its newly admitted students to uphold high standards of discipline, maintain decent personal appearance, shun negative influences and remain committed to academic excellence.

The charge was given during a three-day orientation programme organised by the University Management for fresh students, which held from Wednesday, 28th October, to Friday, 30th October, 2026, at the University’s Main Auditorium.

Delivering the keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Francis Gbore, counselled the students to embrace hard work, diligence and dedication to their studies, stressing that their success in the University would depend largely on their commitment, discipline and ability to remain focused on their academic goals.

Professor Gbore cautioned the students against distractions and unhealthy associations, urging them to avoid friendships and activities that could expose them to negative influences or undermine their academic pursuits. 

He reminded them of the reasons they had chosen Sam Maris University and encouraged them to uphold the values and aspirations that informed their decision.

On campus safety and security, the Vice-Chancellor assured the students of the University's commitment to providing a safe and secure learning environment. 

He, however, urged them to notify the University Management whenever they intended to travel outside the campus. He disclosed that the University had strengthened its security arrangements through collaboration with relevant security agencies in the State.

He further emphasised the University's zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline, warning that Management would not compromise established standards in dealing with acts of misconduct.

Also addressing the students, the Registrar, Mr. David Daramola, emphasised the importance of understanding and complying with the University's rules, regulations and Code of Conduct. 

He urged the students to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Student Handbook, noting that ignorance of the rules would not excuse violations.

He stressed that breaches of the University's regulations would attract appropriate disciplinary sanctions.

The Registrar further advised the students to make their education their priority and avoid frivolous activities capable of distracting them from their academic responsibilities.

Speaking on the University's financial procedures, the Acting Bursar, Mr. Oluwatoyin Orisamoyi, delivered a presentation titled “Student Account System - Process and Procedure”. 

He explained that all students' financial transactions are conducted electronically through the Student Portal. 

He emphasised that payments into students' portal accounts are specifically meant for the settlement of University fees and advised students to use the prescribed online payment channels and follow the established procedures for all financial transactions with the University.

In her remarks, the Acting Dean, Faculty of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Dr. Oluwaseun Abiodun, urged the students to prioritise healthy living through good personal hygiene and cleanliness. 

She also encouraged them to cultivate habits that would promote a clean environment and ensure the proper use and maintenance of University facilities.

Similarly, the Head of the Department of Nursing Science, Dr. Nafiu Okoro, charged the students to take their studies seriously, remain focused and devote adequate time to their academic work.

The programme also featured a series of presentations and interactive sessions designed to prepare the students for the academic, social and personal demands of university life.

Dr. Janet T. Olaseni delivered a presentation on “Decent Dressing, Personal Appearance and the University Dress Code: Standards and Consequences of Non-Compliance”, during which attention was drawn to the importance of appropriate dressing, personal grooming and adherence to the University's prescribed dress standards.

A motivational talk was delivered by Dr. Abiola A. Akingbemisilu, who encouraged the students to develop a positive mindset, cultivate self-discipline and remain determined in the pursuit of their academic and personal aspirations.

The plenary session, chaired by the Acting Director of Academic Planning, Dr. Alfred Ilesanmi, addressed the topic, “Mastering Tests and Examinations: Effective Preparation, Excellent Performance and Result Computation”. 

The session provided an opportunity to guide the students on effective examination preparation, performance strategies and the computation of academic results.

Another important presentation, delivered by Professor Bolanle Ogungbamila, focused on “Effects of Drugs, Alcohol and Substance Abuse”. 

The presentation highlighted the dangers associated with substance abuse and the need for students to make responsible choices that would safeguard their health, well-being and academic future.

In a presentation titled “Maximising Library Services for Scholarship”, Mrs. Oyeyemi Ayeromire highlighted the importance of making effective use of the University's library resources and services to support academic work, independent learning and scholarly development. 

She encouraged the students to take advantage of the available library facilities and resources in pursuit of their academic goals.

The three-day orientation programme provided an opportunity for the fresh students to become acquainted with the University's academic expectations, administrative procedures, rules and regulations, financial processes, library resources, welfare arrangements and general campus life.

The University Management expressed the expectation that the students would put the lessons learnt during the programme into practice and conduct themselves in ways that would promote their personal development, academic success and the good image of Sam Maris University.