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Freshers Urged to Seek Lasting Joy

New students have been advised to move beyond the superficial excitement of admission and begin their academic journey with a sense of purpose.

Professor Taofeeq Yekinni of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development gave the advice during the 2025 Orientation Week organised by the Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, University of Ibadan (MSSNUI).

Speaking on the topic "Hinged Euphoria," Prof. Yekinni emphasized that while the joy of gaining university admission is natural, it must be anchored in purpose, gratitude, and responsibility, rather than fleeting things like fame or freedom.

"Many students hinge their joy on superficial things like the name of the university, course prestige, escape from parental control, and the promise of freedom and fame. These sources of happiness are fleeting and shallow. They can easily fade, mislead, or disappoint.

"The believer’s euphoria is not random. It is anchored on gratitude to Allah, on a sense of purpose, and on striving for excellence in all things," he said.

He noted that hinged euphoria builds balance and encouraged students to balance excitement with discipline, ambition with humility, and independence with responsibility to Allah.

Prof. Yekinni stressed the importance of intentionality, urging students to reset their motives toward spiritual, intellectual, and moral growth.

He also warned against unhinged joy, which could lead to arrogance, forgetfulness of Allah, or moral decline, likening it to the story of Qarun in the Qur’an.

"Campus life will test your identity, discipline, and faith," he said, charging students to root their euphoria in gratitude to Allah, sincere intentions, and spiritual growth through prayer, upright character, and involvement in the Muslim community.