In the words of Redeemer’s University’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, the importance of rules and regulations in maintaining order and structure cannot be overstated. These guiding principles are the backbone of an educational institution that holds a unique place in the Nigerian academic landscape. Redeemer’s University, established by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), stands out with its vision to nurture individuals of both exceptional competence and character. Rooted in Christian values, this institution is more than just a place of learning; it’s a community that commits to a shared covenant.
In this article, we will look at some of Redeemer’s University’s rules and regulations. While our primary focus is on the university’s guidelines, we will also provide a brief overview of the institution’s history, location, and other pertinent information, offering a comprehensive glimpse into Redeemer’s University.
About Redeemer’s University
Redeemer’s University is a prominent private institution located in Ede, Osun State, Nigeria, situated off the Ibadan-Oshogbo Road. Established in 2005, this university is under the ownership of the Redeemed Christian Church of God and holds a distinctive motto, “Running with a Vision.” The Chancellor of the university is Theophilus Danjuma, while the Vice Chancellor is Anthony Enisan Akinlo.
This esteemed institution was founded by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, with Pastor Enoch Adeboye, a PhD holder in applied mathematics, serving as the General Overseer. The Federal Government of Nigeria granted an operating license to Redeemer’s University on January 7, 2005. The university’s journey began with the acquisition of a vast expanse of land in Ede, Osun State, after obtaining the Certificate of Statutory Right of Occupancy in 1997. The university’s campus covers approximately 812 hectares (2,010 acres).
Redeemer’s University officially commenced operations at its temporary site in the Redemption Camp on October 11, 2005, with an initial enrollment of 478 students distributed across three colleges. Subsequently, on February 1, 2006, 473 students matriculated into these colleges, embarking on their undergraduate journeys. Over the years, Redeemer’s University has achieved notable milestones, producing 13 cohorts of graduates, thus cementing its reputation as a distinguished institution in Nigeria’s educational landscape.
Redeemer’s University Rules and Regulations
The principles that guide the Redeemer’s University community are rooted in a firm commitment to the values and teachings found in the Bible. The university’s community covenant entails a pledge from all its students to embody virtues and behaviors that reflect these values while also refraining from actions that are seen as harmful. Students of the Redeemer’s University community are bound by the following principles:
- Cultivating Christian Virtues: Students are encouraged to nurture Christian virtues such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, and self-control. Compassion, humility, forgiveness, and justice are emphasized as part of this commitment.
- Exemplary Lives: Honesty, civility, truthfulness, generosity, and integrity are qualities expected from all students.
- Constructive Communication: Students are encouraged to communicate in ways that build others up, meet their needs, and benefit the entire community.
- Respect for All: Every individual is to be treated with respect and dignity, acknowledging their intrinsic worth from the moment of conception to the end of life.
- Responsible Citizenship: Being a responsible citizen is a core value. This entails respecting authorities, adhering to the laws of the country, contributing to the welfare of society, and respecting the environment.
- Modesty and Purity: Modesty, purity, and appropriate intimacy are expected in all relationships. Sexual expressions of intimacy are to be reserved for marriage, and within marriage, efforts are to be made to resolve conflicts and avoid divorce.
- Personal Responsibility: Every member is encouraged to make thoughtful lifestyle choices and take responsibility for the impact of those choices on others.
- Support and Encouragement: Lastly, students are called to encourage and support one another in their pursuit of these values and ideals. Extending forgiveness, accountability, restoration, and healing to fellow community students is seen as a way to foster unity and growth.
What Is Not Allowed In Redeemer’s University
In addition to the core values and principles that guide the Redeemer’s University community, certain actions and behaviors are explicitly prohibited, as they are considered detrimental to the university’s mission and the well-being of its students. These prohibitions include:
- Destructive Communication: This encompasses behaviors such as gossip, slander, vulgar or obscene language, and prejudice. These actions are deemed harmful to the community’s lives and interpersonal relationships.
- Harassment and Intimidation: Any form of verbal or physical intimidation, including hazing (which involves humiliation, harassment, or abuse), is strictly prohibited.
- Dishonesty: Acts of dishonesty, such as lying, cheating, and plagiarism, are not tolerated within the university.
- Property Violation: Stealing, misusing, or destroying property that belongs to others is strictly against the rules.
- Inappropriate Material: The use of materials that are degrading, dehumanizing, exploitative, hateful, or gratuitously violent, including but not limited to pornography, is not allowed.
- Substance Use: Actions like drunkenness, the use or possession of illegal drugs, and the misuse or abuse of substances, including prescribed drugs, are strictly prohibited.
- Alcohol and Tobacco: The use or possession of alcohol on campus or at any Redeemer’s University-sponsored event, as well as the use of tobacco on campus or at university-sponsored events, is not allowed.
- Cell Phone Usage: Students are expected to restrict the use of cell phones in lecture rooms and during church services.
These regulations are in place to ensure that Redeemer’s University maintains an environment characterized by mutual respect, integrity, and adherence to the principles outlined in the community covenant. The goal is to create a community where individuals can grow academically and spiritually, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.
Redeemer’s University commits to providing assistance to those who seek to address difficulties arising from poor personal choices and is prepared to question, challenge, or discipline students if their actions impact personal or social welfare. Specific areas where Christian principles are to be upheld include:
- Wise and Sustainable Self-Care: Students are encouraged to adopt sustainable habits related to sleep, diet, exercise, and preventative health. This extends to maintaining balanced rhythms of solitude and community, engaging in personal spiritual disciplines, participating in University Chapel and local church activities, and balancing work, study, recreation, service, and rest.
- Healthy Sexuality: Redeemer’s University promotes biblical sexual health, emphasizing the inseparable physical, spiritual, and emotional aspects of one’s decisions regarding their body. It adheres to the view that sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage between one man and one woman, with the intention of fostering marital intimacy and procreation. Students strive for purity of thought and relationships, modesty, personal responsibility, and avoiding compromising situations.
- Entertainment: Students are expected to make entertainment choices guided by biblical principles and priorities, considering their impact on personal well-being, the well-being of others, and the university community. Choices should prioritize activities that are edifying, beneficial, constructive, and in line with values like being “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.”
These guidelines are designed to maintain a community where Christian principles are respected, individual responsibility is upheld, and the well-being of all is considered.