Over 7,000 matriculants newly admitted into various departments of the Ignatius Ajuru University for the 2023/2024 have been charged to be studious and to obey the rules and regulations of the institution.
Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Okechuku Onuchuku gave the charge, last Saturday during the 50th matriculation ceremony at the institution’s main campus, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt.
Speaking while declaring the event open, Prof. Onuchuku explained the importance of education to individuals and the society.
The Vice Chancellor urged students to be hard working and studious to become good ambassadors of the institution to enable them put smiles on the faces of their parents.
The university teacher however, advised them to toe the path of academic excellence as well as contribute meaningfully to the progress of the country, adding that association is right, but should be the type that will guide them to come out in flying colours.
The Professor also charged students to take their studies seriously as well as to be creative and innovative to achieve success in life.
Prof Onuchuku further charged them to shun cultism, examination malpractices, indecent dressing, among other related vices or face sanctions.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the IAUE revealed that students who could not meet up with the institution’s academic grades would be rusticated from the school, while advising parents and guardians to promptly pay the fees of their children and wards, monitor their academic performances and assist the institution achieve its desired objectives.
“Total number of matriculants today is 7,338 and we have a total of 54 programmes in this university out of which 47 are fully accredited and the other remaining seven have been successfully verified. “One of the first charge I gave to them is to take their studies seriously and ensure that they don’t join secret cults and I also told them that they need to obey the university’s rules. We have handed over to them the university’s academic statement and rules and regulations of the university. After the first year, their results would be computed and if they don’t have a minimum of 1.5 CPGA, they will be placed under probation and while on that probation, you can even change department to see which department you will actually be comfortable with, but after the second year, if you are still below 1.5, then, you would be asked to withdraw from the programme,” Onuchuku said.
Also speaking in an interview with The Tide, some newly matriculated students of the university had this to say.
According to Ngozi Nkem, “I am coming from a poor background coupled with the harsh economic realities, yet, my parents are able to sponsor my education and I promise I will live up to their expectations”. On her part, one of the female students stated that it took her time to gain admission into university of her choice, but that today God has made her dream come to pass, while promising to abide by the rules and regulations of the unversity and to shun all social vices capable of jeopardising her future.

By: Susan Serekara-Nwikhana