The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru at the weekend warned the 11,500 matriculating students of Ebonyi State University, to shun cultism, exam malpractice and other social vices.
The 28th matriculation ceremony of the university witnessed a mammoth turnout of citizens and is adjudged the highest intake since the creation of the state in 1996.
Governor Nwifuru, who addressed the stakeholders and students, reiterated his administration’s unflinching commitment towards sound and quality education in the state.
The Governor, represented by the Commissioner for Education, Dr Donatus Ilang, commended the University Management for restoring the University’s excellence status.
He enjoined the newly matriculated students to face their academic pursuits, saying it is the sole aim for their admission into the institution, warning them to shun every act capable of delaying or truncating their studies.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof Michael Ugota, in his address urged lecturers to focus on their mission to educate and guide students without any malfeasance, highlighting the importance of integrity in the education system for the future of young Nigerians.
Prof Ugota who officially inducted the students, urged them to demonstrate good character, reject anything that could damage their reputation and that of the university.
He revealed that on assumption of office last year, he and the principal officer were confronted with the challenges of accreditation of faculty of Engineering, environmental studies and seven other programs, but announced that five out of the seven programs had been fully accredited.
The Vice Chancellor said his administration has eradicated the menace of cultism and other social vices in the University community, claiming that the issue of sorting and examination malpractice is now a thing of the past and warned the new students not to engage in such illegal activity as it is prohibited in the University.
Professor Ugota opined that the era of sexual harassment and intimidation of students by their lecturers is gone, and warned students not to engage in indecent dressing to seduce lecturers.
He expressed full determination of his administration’s commitment to restoring the University to the path of academic excellence.
Responding, the former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Professor Chike Onwe, who is currently the university’s orator, warned the newly matriculated students against extortion and the practice of paying lecturers for examination upgrades.
Governor Nwifuru, Varsity VC warn students against cultism, exam malpractice
