ACHIEVERS UNIVERSITY AND VALUES

Rev. Canon S.B. Oladimeji. HND, [Link]. (Hons), MBA, [Link]. MIMC.
Registry, Achievers University, Owo

Introduction
Achievers University, Owo started operations on April 2, 2008 after obtaining its operating
license from the National Universities Commission on 11th, December, 2007 as a private
university, the university is planned to carve a niche for itself in the global setting of education
through its resolve to adopt international benchmark in all areas, including academic curriculum,
infrastructure and general administration.

The vision of the University is to produce a total person, morally sound, properly educated and
entrepreneurially oriented who would be useful to himself and the society, thus becoming the
best University in Africa and indeed one of the best in the world.

The university’s mission is to produce the enabling environment – physical and academic – for
the production of competent and quality graduates who would be self-reliant, highly productive
and globally relevant in every sphere of human endeavour.

Achievers University’s Motto and Core Values

The motto of Achievers University is “Knowledge, Integrity and Leadership”. The University is
established to provide endless opportunities for the search for and expansion of the frontiers of
knowledge with the fear of God, respect for persons and constituted authority. Knowledge so
acquired with a very high sense of responsibility and integrity shall prepare the university
products for leadership positions in both private and public service in the society.

Core values are the guiding principles that dictate behaviour and action. It helps people in the
organization to differentiate between right and wrong. Core values are moral compass for the
organization and its employees. This compass guides decision-making and establishes a standard
that actions can be assessed. First and foremost, the core values in Achievers University include
the following:
 The fear of God.
 Altruism.
 Integrity.
 Humility.

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  Commitment.
 Entrepreneurship.
 Respect.
 Steadfastness.
 Excellence
 Sacrifice
 Selflessness

The University’s Logo, Colour and their Meanings

The Logo of the University consists of a “book with a torchlight” which symbolizes the
University as a centre for ceaseless search for knowledge. The platform upon which the book and
torchlight are placed is the “scimitar”, which is an instrument of victory after warfare in the
locality of the University. It symbolizes courage in the culture of the people of Owo, and
determination to overcome ignorance in the modern world. The book and a torchlight on the
scimitar are all within a banner on which the motto of the university is inscribed.

Colour and Meaning

The University has three main colours, namely green, purple and white. Each of the colleges also
has colours mainly for identification as follows:
College of Natural and Applied Sciences - Purple
College of Social and Management Sciences - Orange
Proposed College of Engineering and Technology - Yellow
Proposed College of Environmental Studies - Green
Proposed College of Medical Sciences - Ox-blood
Green Colour – Green represents progress and agriculture, which is the predominant occupation
of Nigerians and especially the people of Ondo State of Nigeria. Green is a wonderful, fertile and
nurturing colour. Its prevalence in nature makes it pleasant to the eye and attractive. Green has
always been associated with luck and wealth. Green also symbolizes freshness, fertility and
growth.
Purple – The colour purple represents royalty and nobility and is associated with luxury and
wealth. This opulent and extravagant colour was favoured by the elite in ancient cultures, and
great effort was made to find natural dyes to dye fabrics to this amazing colour. People with
great creative skills such as writers artists, musicians, phychics and poets tend to be drawn to
purple.

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White – White is pure, healing and spiritual. White also indicates beginnings and starting afresh.
So wear something white if you are beginning a new adventure, such as the first day at college, a
new job or the start of a new project.
Orange – This is the colour for the College of Social and Management Sciences. Orange is a
very joyous and vibrant colour. It represents vitality, enthusiasm and excitement. Orange is a
very uplifting and attractive colour. If you suffer low moods, try to eat orange foods such as
carrots, oranges and pumpkins. Wear orange clothing and be in the sunshine as much as possible.
Yellow – This is the colour chosen for the proposed College of Engineering and Technology.
This is a bright and vibrant colour. Looking at colour yellow makes one happy, wearing yellow
gives an instant sunshine glow to the face and makes you look both cherry and youthful.
Ox-Blood – This is the colour for the proposed College of Medical Sciences. This is the colour
of blood and can shock, repulse and frighten. It is also a colour of red roses, red hearts and red
lips – all symbols of passion and love.

Dress Code and Code of Conduct of an Achiever

Dress Code
While maintaining good taste with high morality and modesty, the appearance of every student
should be characterized by neatness, purity and simplicity, which must conform with high moral
standard.
Campus Dressing for Female Students
a. Skirt must be long enough to cover the knee and must not be slit above the knee.
b. Transparent, sheer, or tight-fitting blouses, sweaters or skirt are not permitted.
c. Dresses with low necklines or those that do not fully cover the shoulders and armpits are
not permitted.
d. Shorts, slacks and similar attires should not be worn outside the halls of residence on
campus except while on field trips.
e. Excessive facial make-up, coloured nail-polish, artificial nails and bleaching must be
avoided.
f. Students are allowed moderate use of unnatural braided hair or attachment, which in any
case should not exceed neck-length.
g. Unnatural braided hair or attachment should match with the natural hair.
h. The hair should be well groomed (neat and tidy) all the time.
i. Use of jewelry should be moderate.
j. Noisy and bogus shoes should be avoided.
k. Campus dressing for male students.

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Campus Dressing for Male Students
a. Men’s dress for lecturers or general campus wear should consist of trousers and shirts
with ties or moderate African traditional attire which must conform to prescribed rules
and regulations.
b. Men should not go bare-footed or without shirts anywhere on campus except when
playing outdoor games.
c. Men should not wear muscle tops, earring or necklace.
d. No wearing of slippers is allowed in lecture rooms or any University function.

Code of Conduct of an Achiever

In pursuance to its philosophy and goal of producing graduates with a well-balanced education,
morally and intellectually sound, Achievers University places very high premium on morals and
good character. The University therefore considers inculcation of good character and disciplined
social behaviour as an integral part of the curriculum for all-round training and development of
the student. Accordingly, it has instituted the requisite rules and regulations to guide orderly
development of good and disciplined social behaviour. The rules and regulations also make for
harmonious co-existence in a heterogeneous community like a university. They also facilitate
good governance.

A candidate’s acceptance of admission offer implies acceptance to abide by these and other rules
and regulations made from time to time by the University for its good governance and orderly
production of well balanced graduates. A letter of undertaking to that effect must be signed by
the candidate and his/her parent/guardian as part of the admission acceptance process. The
student is further required to reaffirm the undertaking by subscribing to the Matriculation Oath at
the Matriculation Ceremony. The undertaking carries with it an obligation to be a law-abiding
and responsible member of the academic community in accordance with the standards, rules and
regulations established by the senate and other constituted authorities of the University.

Every student of Achievers University, therefore, is required to maintain a high standard of

personal integrity. The University considers a serious offence any act of unethical, immoral,
dishonesty, disloyal or destructive behaviour. It is the responsibility of a student to adapt
himself/herself to the regime of acceptable personal conduct and moral discipline as well as and
to acquaint himself/herself with laid-down rules and regulations, and obey them at all times, The
University law provides for appropriate sanctions for students who contravene these regulations.
General Guidelines on Conduct

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 a. A student shall not engage in any act that can constitutes an offence under the law of the
country.
b. A student shall not constitute a threat to the life of other students.
c. A student shall not be rude to the University principal officers and other of the university.
d. A student shall not be a member of any proscribed or unregistered organization.
e. A student shall not hold any illegal or secret meeting organized by secret
societies/fraternities.
f. A student shall not engage in sexual harassment.
g. A student shall not molest, intimidate, harass or physically assault any member of the
university community – staff and students.
h. Any student accused of committing any of the above-stated offences depending on the
seriousness of the misconduct, shall face the Student Disciplinary Committee (SDC) for
the appropriate sanctions if found guilty.
Rules on Male-Female Relationship
a. Unrestricted association between men and women, including any conduct such as
clandestine meeting and loitering in the dark that might lay the moral of a student open to
question, is forbidden.
b. Courtship amongst adults is expected and respected.
Courtship procedures, however, should not violate University regulations.
c. If a student decides to get married during his/her studentship in the University,
information on the changed marital status must be given in writing to the Director of
Student Affairs, his/her College Dean and Head of Department.

The National Anthem and Pledge

The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a country in West Africa and the most populous country in
the African continent. Nigeria shares land border with the Benin Republic in the West, Chad and
Cameroun in the East, Niger in the North and borders the Gulf of Guinea in the South. Since
1991, its capital is the centrally- located city of Abuja; previously, the Nigerian Government was
headquartered in Lagos. The people of Nigeria have an extensive history, and based on
archeological evidence, human habitant of the area date back to at least 9000 BC. The Benue-
Cross River area is thought to be the original homeland of the Bantu migrants who spread across
most of central and southern Africa in waves between the 1 st millennium BC and the 2nd
millennium AD. However, the Nigerian State came into being on October 1, 1960 when Nigeria
gained its independence from the British at present, Nigeria has 36 states and the Federal Capital
Territory. The country re-achieved democracy in 1999 after a sixteen-year interruption by a

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series of military dictators from 1966 until 1999, except the short-lived second Republic, (1979-
1983).

National Anthem
Arise o Compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey
To serve our fatherland
With love and strength and faith
The labour of our heroes past
Shall never be in vain
To serve with heart and might
One nation bound in freedom
Peace and Unity.

Oh God of creation
Direct our noble cause
Guide our leaders right
Our youth the truth to know
In love and honesty to grow
and living just and true
Great lofty heights attain,
To build a nation where peace
And justice shall reign.

The first National Anthem was composed in 1960 by Lillian Jean Williams. The current National
Anthem was adopted in 1978. The lyrics are combination of words and phrases taken from five
of the best entries in a National contest.

The words were put into music by the Nigeria Police Band under the directorship of Benedict E.
Odiase. The lyrics were put together by John A. Ilechukwu, Etim Akpan, Ogunnike, Sota
Omoighi and P.O Aderibigbe.

National Pledge
I pledge to Nigeria my country
To be faithful, loyal and honest
To serve Nigeria with all my strength
To defend her unity

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 And uphold her honour and glory
So help me God.
The National pledge was written by Prof. (Mrs.) Felicia Adebola Adedoyin in 1976. It is a
solemn oath of loyalty. In Nigeria, before the National pledge is said, the national anthem must
have been sung though it must not be at all occasions.

Achievers University’s Anthem and Pledge

Achievers University
God’s glorious habitation
Our fountain of wisdom
Our household of love

Chorus:
We hail thee (2ice)
Fountain of knowledge
Wellspring of integrity
Height of leadership

We are the purposeful leaders

Hope of future generation
Pillars of great Nigeria
Achievers – we are
Chorus:
We hail thee (2ce)
Fountain of knowledge
Wellspring of integrity
Height of leadership.

The concept of having a University Anthem was first conceived by Akomolafe, Bankole Kayode
a pioneer student with matriculation number AUO/07/012 of the College of Natural and Applied
Science in the Department of Computer and Information System (now Department of
Mathematical Sciences).

He first wrote it in form of poem. Management edited the work. The words were put into music
by Rev. Tokunbo Asogbon of Methodist Church Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State to Ibadan for

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composition. Mr. Akomolafe was no doubt guided by the motto of the University which is
Knowledge, Integrity and Leadership as manifested in the chorus of the Anthem.
We hail thee (2ce)
Wellspring of Integrity
Height of Leadership.

Definition of an Achiever, Characteristics of an Achiever

Definition of an Achiever
An achiever is somebody who has done something successfully, especially using his or her own
effort and skill.

An achiever is someone who realizes his or her set goals. Setting goals is one of the practices of
successful people.

It is a lot like having a strategy or a game plan. It is all about reconciling ones desires with what
can reasonably be accomplished in a life-time.
How to set your goals
Know what you want – don’t just produce a wish list but determine what is truly important to
you. For example, money might not be as important as the feelings of accomplishment. There are
many ways to feel accomplished without necessary earning money. If you are going to spend the
next 5 years or a lifetime working on a goal make sure that it is important to you.
Break Long-Term Goals to daily Tasks
Through this, you know what needs to be accomplished in order to move towards those more
important goals and can check off the tasks as they are accomplished. For example, if I want to
get a new job, I will first have to update my resume, and then search for companies that may
engage me e.t.c.
Stay Committed
If you don’t stay committed and work on these goals every day, you won’t go very far. Most
people fail because they give up not because they are not competent.

You can only achieve your goals by:

* Eliminating your negative thoughts and replacing them with positive attitude.
* Constantly asserting and affirming your belief in your dream.
* Getting rid of low esteem – always believe in yourself.
* Remembering that an achiever is a believer.
* Praying along.

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Achievers recognize that if someone else can achieve something, then so can they. If it is
humanly possible, then it is perfectly feasible to accept that you too have the potential of
reaching your goal.
For anyone to be an achiever in life, the following characteristics or qualities have to be imbibed.
a. Focus – This means having a super natural insight into the purpose of your existence.
Habakkuk 2: 2 – 3 “And the Lord answered me, and said write the vision and make it
plain upon tables, that he may ran with”. For the revelation awaits an appointed times, it
speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it, it will certainly
come and will not delay”.
The worst tragedy ever is not death but a life without focus, a life without direction and a
life without a dream. Direction is what gives birth to distinction. Focus is not just the
discovery of one’s potential, it is knowing what to do with it. Vision and focus go hand in
hand. Both have an objective which they are aiming at and are determined to achieve.
To be focused means to concentrate. It means to be committed to one thing no matter the
hardship. It is also about desiring what you want to do or become in life, and pursuing it.
He/she won’t be distracted on the way to where he/she is going. Face one thing at a time
and do it well, that is the same way to stand out in a crowd. When Jesus called Simon
Peter and Andrew his brother, “they straight away left their nets and followed him
(Matt.4:20). The ability to remain undistracted no matter the hardship is what focus is all
about. None of us is free from temptations and distractions but those who stay focused in
spite of them will become points of focus in life. Be devoted to something. Face what you
are set to do squarely. Cut yourself away from all distractions.
b. Discipline – To make the best use of hard time or to be an achiever you need a high level
of discipline. You must lay a foundation of discipline if you must excel. 2 Tim. 2: 49 “No
one serving as a solder gets involved in civilian affairs”. Good solders sleep with one of
their eye open. Discipline means doing what you have to do in order to attain some set
objectives, even if you do not like it, even when you are passing through some
challenges, hardships etc.

It also means living moderately, not exerting your energy on useless pursuits, self control
– not other peoples life-style because your goal is different from those of others.
Discipline means refusing to do what you like love/and deciding to do what is right even
at the expense of your comfort.
c. Devotion - Another way of being an Achiever is to be devoted to your course of action.
This means giving yourself up to a thing with a consuming passion (feeling), giving

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 100% attention to what you believe. When you are devoted to a course it becomes the
one and only one in your life in Phl. 3:13, Paul declared ….. but one thing I
do………….. just one thing”. Devotion involves sacrifice to ensure the success of
your pursuits. That was what Paul meant in Rom. 12:1 “Therefore, I urge you brothers
in view of God’s mercy to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God
– this is your spiritual act of worship”. Until you are devoted, you can not be elevated and
without devotion, promotion is a mirage.
d. Determination - To make the best use of your life or to be an Achiever in life, you must
be determined in whatever course you find yourself doing. Determination means taking
on an irreversible decision. It means counting the cost and willing to pay it. One of the
costs is “hardship in whatever form”. No journey is too far for a person whose mind is
made up and also no river is too deep to cross and no mountain too high to climb to
secure the needed result when there is determination.

Determination is an intoxicant. It makes you not to mind the pain but you think of the
gain. It takes your eyes off trials and tribulation and fix your eyes on triumphs (e.g
politicians). The bible says Jacob served Laban for additional seven years to have
Rachael and it seems to him as a few days because of the love he has for her.
Determination makes every assignment simple no matter how difficult it is. I must do it, I
must know it. 2 Cor. 4:17 says “for our light and monetary troubles are achieving for us
an external glory that far outweighs them all“

How determined are you to secure your goal in life? A determined person always makes
up his mind before frustration sets in. There is no challenge-free road to success. But no
challenge can change a mind that is made up (determined). Once you are determined,
your job is already 50% done.
e. Diligence – Diligence means hard work. It also means carefulness. If you are diligent,
you will press on until you succeed. Success should be the goal of every child of God for
that is your covenant inheritance Phil 3: 13-14.
Hard work does not kill. It only removes hard life (hardship). Everyone you see on top
did not drop there, he/she climbed there. The only thing that people start from the top is
grave digging. Whatever is your calling, press towards it.

Diligence also means working hard on your focus by applying divine principles. This is a
step of faith you must take. 2 Pet. 1:10b says “give diligence to make your calling and
election sure for if ye do these things ye shall never fall” The alternative to hard work

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 is hard life (hardship, poverty). Prov. 22:29 says seest thou a man diligent in his
business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men”.

Your hands must be engaged to work out your will. Whatever you make up your mind to
do let your hands work it out. “Once your heart is willing and your hands are working,
your life must be winning”
Working hard does not mean lack of faith, rather it is the only way to demonstrate your
faith.
Hard work adds to your faith. 2 Pet. 1:5…….. giving all diligence, ‘add to your faith
virtues. Do not fold your hand to sleep, open your hands to work. That is the only way to
fight hardship in your life. “He becometh poor that dealeth with slack hand but the hand
of diligent maketh rich”. Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.
He who gathers crop in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a
disgraceful son. (Prov. 10: 4 - 5)

Remember there is a level higher than where you are now. Whatever your level of
achievement in life, it can be better. Press on in the right direction at the right place and
press with God.

God, Man and Achievement

God is the creator of the universe. He created man in His own image. He made man out of dust
from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became soul, (Gen.
2:7).

Man is created in spirit, soul and body (triune being). Man is the only being with a will and
intelligence capable of choosing love or hatred, good or bad. God is love, and man is the only
creature that can reciprocate the love of God (IJohn 4:16 – 19).

God is an achiever and wants man to be an achiever. He gave man dominion over everything He
has created. The Psalmist asked in Ps. 8: 4-8. What is man? That you are mindful of him, the son
of man that you have care-for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and
crowned him with the glory and honour. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you
put everything under his feet; all flocks and herds and the beast of the field, the birds and the air
and the fish of the sea and all that swim the paths of the sea” (Ps. 8:4-8).

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God loves every creature of His, including you though the devil may be giving you a contrary
opinion. God created all that man would ever need before he created man. He made provisions
for you. God said, “Behold I have given you every herbs-bearing seed which is upon the face of
all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be meat”.

God created an enabling environment for man to succeed and achieve. After this, satan deceived
mankind to sin (disobey), leading to separation from God. But God immediately restored man
back to his fellowship by sending His son Jesus Christ, that whoever believes in Him shall not
perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). So the first reason why God created man was for the
purpose of relationship with him to know him, to know his ways. Man was created also to
develop God’s character. To look like God on the inside” image and likeness of God”.

The third reason is to share in the fuction of God ruling the universe. To share in His dominion
(Gen. 1:28), to subdue satan the only enemy and to share in His creative power. God wants more
to be in His family”. And God blessed them and God said to them, be fruitful and multiply and
fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the
heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.

So, the wish of God for man is to be an achiever. For a Christian, every achievement is by the
grace of God. Grace is the unmerited favour of God given to a person. Grace blesses you even
when you do not desire it. Nothing terminates disgrace like grace. Eph. 2: 8 – 9 say; “for by
Grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God not
a result of works, so that no one may boast”.

With the grace of God bestowed on us, we can make the best use of our lives and surmount every
hardship to be an achiever. Without grace, destiny ends in disgrace. It is grace that places you
where you are not supposed to be. In the race of life; it takes grace to shine. What makes the
difference between success and failure, shortage and profit, in addition to what we have
discussed so far as the characteristics of an achiever is GRACE.

Labour is bad, uninteresting, agonizing, painful and risky. Work is good; work is efforts with
good results. Grace is goodwill, support with divine approval, pleasant surprises, mercy received
and kindness released to you. Grace is divine favour, work, labour and Grace – these three, but
the greatest of them is Grace.

May the Grace of God Almighty be with you all.

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Reference Materials

Achievers University’s Law book

Achievers University’s Temporary Students handbook.

Dr. Sina Abayomi – Need for core values at Achievers University, Owo (A
presentation at Achievers University, Owo).

[Link]/national-anthem

On [Link]/[Link].

On line [Link]/7 characteristics of Achievers.

Rev. Canon Oladimeji – Getting the best out of Hardship (A lecture

delivered at the annual Youth Conference of the Anglican Diocese of Owo, 2010.

The Holy Bible.

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