I’m not sure where the university motto stands in the grand scheme of academia, but as a student, I know I’ll want it to inspire the shit out of me to chase that first class bag.
We took a look at what the wordsmiths in Nigerian public universities got up to, and let’s just say, it’s time for a revamp.
UNIBEN: Knowledge for service
Something about this motto sounds transactional. It’s giving “Come and learn to be a servant of capitalism”.
UNICAL: Knowledge for service
Serious question. Who is copying who between UNICAL and UNIBEN?
LASU: For truth and service
Service won injure Nigerian students. God, abeg.
EKSU: Knowledge, honour, service
Could it be that the heavy servitude gospel is why Nigerian lecturers move like small gods?
DELSU: Knowledge, character and service
Might break down if I see another motto that speaks to servitude.
LAUTECH: Excellence, integrity and service
Okay, can we ignore the call to servitude and appreciate their excellence and integrity agenda?
UNILORIN: Learning and character
I feel very uninspired reading this. Doesn’t spark joy at all.
University of Nigeria: To restore the dignity of man
LMAO. Why does this straight up look like it belongs in our national anthem?
UNIABUJA: For unity and scholarship
Something about the scholarship in this motto makes me think the students are in academic opportunity heaven.
UNIOSUN: Living spring of knowledge and culture
Oduduwa will be pleased, I guess.
UNILAG: In deed and in truth
This one low-key gives blood covenant vibes. But I like it.
Kwara State University: …the Green University for community development and entrepreneurship
The green university? What does that even mean? Anyway, yes to minting entrepreneurs.
FUTA: Technology for self-reliance
This actually bangs considering the school has a mandate to mint tech bros and sis.
OAU: For learning and culture
A part of my brain is screaming “Do it for the culture”. Is this how OAU students feel too?
UI: Recte sapere fons
Why does this sound like something from Harry Potter? Anyway, it means, “To think straight is the fount of knowledge”.
OOU: Excellentia humana et patriae opus
We have another Harry Potter-esque entry all the way from Ogun state, Nigeria. It means, “Flowering of human abilities and service to the fatherland”.
UNIJOS: Discipline and dedication
I’m reading this and can’t stop thinking about D-Square. As in, P-Square. It slaps, right?
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