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.

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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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