*Varsity VC warn students
Governor Francis Nwifuru has urged over 11,500 matriculating students of Ebonyi State University to shun cultism, examination malpractice, and other social vices.
The 28th matriculation ceremony at the university drew a large turnout, the highest since the state’s creation in 1996.
Nwifuru, who addressed stakeholders and students at the event held at the permanent site in Ezzangbo on Saturday, reiterated his administration’s unflinching commitment to sound and quality education.
He highlighted some interventions carried out in the university, including increased monthly subventions, staff salary increments, offsetting of debts owed by the university, and infrastructure facelifts.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dr Donatus Ilang, the governor commended the university management for restoring the institution’s excellent status.
“I congratulate all the newly inducted students and urge you to take your studies seriously. It is for this sole aim that you are in the institution. I further enjoin you to avoid every misdemeanour capable of truncating your studies,” Governor Nwifuru said.
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Michael Awoke, urged lecturers to focus on their mission to educate and guide students with integrity, stressing the importance of ethics for the future of youths and Nigeria at large.
Awoke, who officially inducted the students, called on them to demonstrate good character in both their studies and actions. He advised them to reject anything that could damage their reputation or that of the university.
He emphasised strict adherence to roles and responsibilities, warning that any form of extortion or unethical behaviour toward students would face severe consequences.
According to the VC, upon assuming office last year, he was confronted with challenges related to the accreditation of the Faculty of Engineering and Environmental Studies.
He disclosed that five out of seven programs have now been fully accredited, adding that the university has been fully digitalised. “Students can access university programs at the click of a button,” he said.
He also noted that students can now pay school fees online without having to go through the bursary. Awoke further stated that cultism and other social vices have been eradicated in the university community.
“The issue of cheating and examination malpractice is now a thing of the past. I warn the new students not to engage in such illegal activities, as they are prohibited in the university. Also, the era of sexual harassment and intimidation of students by lecturers is gone. I warn our students not to engage in indecent dressing to seduce lecturers,” he said.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to restoring the university to the path of academic excellence.
“I commend Governor Francis Nwifuru for prioritising education in the state. I assure him that the huge investment he has made in the university will not be regretted,” the VC added.
A former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Prof. Chike Onwe, who now serves as the university’s orator, also warned students against extortion and the practice of paying lecturers for examination upgrades.
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