The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, over the weekend cautioned the 11,500 new students of Ebonyi State University to avoid cultism, examination dishonesty, and other societal ills.
The 28th matriculation celebration of the university attracted a large crowd and is recognized as the highest enrollment since the establishment of the state in 1996.
Governor Nwifuru, who spoke to the stakeholders and students, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering dedication to high-quality education in the state.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Donatus Ilang, praised the University Administration for reinstating the institution’s outstanding status.
He encouraged the newly admitted students to concentrate on their educational endeavors, stating that it is the primary purpose of their enrollment at the institution, and warned them against any actions that could hinder their academic journeys.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Michael Ugota, in his speech, urged instructors to concentrate on their role to educate and mentor students without any misconduct, emphasizing the significance of integrity within the educational framework for the future of young Nigerians.
Prof. Ugota, who officially welcomed the students, urged them to exhibit commendable conduct, rejecting any behaviors that could tarnish their own reputation or that of the university.
He disclosed that upon taking office last year, he and the principal officials faced challenges regarding the accreditation of the Faculty of Engineering, Environmental Studies, and seven other programs, but announced that five out of those seven programs have now received full accreditation.
The Vice Chancellor stated that his administration has addressed the prevalence of cultism and other societal issues within the university community, asserting that the problems of sorting and examination fraud are now in the past and cautioned the new students not to partake in such illegal activities as they are strictly forbidden within the university.
Professor Ugota expressed that the era of sexual harassment and intimidation by lecturers towards students is over, and he advised students not to engage in inappropriate attire to attract lecturers.
He conveyed his administration’s robust commitment to steering the university back towards academic excellence.
In response, the former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Professor Chike Onwe, who currently serves as the university’s orator, warned the newly matriculated students against extortion and the act of paying lecturers for examination enhancements.
