Chancellor and founder of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State David Oyedepo has advised newly admitted students to embrace discipline, telling them that “pay today, play tomorrow”.
Oyedepo gave the charge on Friday at the 24th matriculation ceremony of the university, urging students to shun peer pressure and remain focused on their goals.
According to him, discipline may be painful, but its outcome is valuable, adding that the pain of regret is worse than that of discipline.
“Pay today and play tomorrow or play today and pay tomorrow.
“No one will be more accomplished in his pursuit than he or she who is disciplined,” he said.
Oyedepo also urged the students to take their academic work seriously, noting that time management plays a key role in personal growth.
“The worth of anyone’s time defines the worth of his life,” he said.
Earlier, the university’s vice chancellor, Timothy Anake, said the institution remains committed to investing in infrastructure to support effective learning.
Anake encouraged the new students to uphold the university’s seven core values of spirituality, possibility mentality, capacity building, integrity, responsibility, diligence and sacrifice.
Also speaking, the pro chancellor of the university and wife of the founder, Faith Oyedepo, advised the students to remain focused and disciplined, saying the journey to success requires strong character.
She said Covenant University emphasises character development, adding that talent without character can become a liability.
“Pursue your programmes with first-class character,” she said.
She described higher education as a journey that requires discipline and focus for students to complete their studies successfully.
A total of 3,070 students, made up of 2,440 undergraduates and 630 postgraduates, were formally admitted into the university for the 2025 2026 academic session.
