Prof. Eugene Nweke, Acting VC (middle) flanked by the left by Prof. Omaka Omeri (SAN), Commissioner for Tertiary Education and Prof. Chika Nwafor, DVC, Admin at Matriculation Arena.
Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has called on the newly admitted students of the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) to shun cultism, examination misconduct armed robbery and other social vices throughout their course of study in the institution.
The governor who is the Visitor to the university appealed during the university’s 25th matriculation ceremony held at its permanent site on Saturday in Abakaliki.
Nwifuru, represented by Prof. Omaka Omeri (SAN), Commissioner for Tertiary Education said that the state would not hesitate to invoke its anti-cultism law to deal with any student caught indulging in cultism and other outlawed social activities on the campus.
He enjoined the new intakes to concentrate on their studies to achieve the best in their academic pursuits.
He said that the state government would prioritise infrastructure in the institution as well as ensure the promotion of functional and technical education to enable students of the institution to become self-reliant after graduation.
“I wish to join the Vice Chancellor to once more appeal to all our matriculating students to shun all forms of social evils, and anti-social activities which have been mentioned earlier.
” Please, you are here to study; anything that can bring you down or make you run in conflict with the law and the rules of this university, please, run away from it.
“The government will not smile at you when you commit any crime and you run to them because you have somebody in government; the government will allow the law to take its full course,” the governor said.
He reassured the readiness of the Ebonyi government to partner with the university to achieve academic excellence.
Earlier, Prof. Eugene Nweke, the Acting Vice Chancellor of EBSU in an address delivered on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, distinguished Prof. Chigozie Ogbu welcomed the matriculating students to the institution.
He enjoined them to embrace their studies and to shun cultism; examination irregularities and misconduct, drug abuse, armed robbery as well as gender-based violence.
“Ebonyi State University views these offences seriously and offenders will be meted appropriate punishment and prosecution where applicable.
” In this regard, we urge you to report any form of harassment and intimidation towards you to relevant authorities of the institution without delay for prompt action; therefore, speak out, for EBSU is here to protect and ensure
your safety always.”
The VC noted that the university is a choice institution that had consistently demonstrated its commitment to excellence and had been acknowledged as one of the best state universities in Nigeria and currently ranked 6th best state universities in 2023 Webometric ranking.
He said that all the verified programmes of the university had been fully accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other relevant bodies.
“Over the years, this citadel of learning has produced numerous leaders of great values; captains of industry and individuals who have positively impacted the society.
” The Visitor to the University and 4th elected governor of Ebonyi, Nwifuru, and his wife, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru are eloquent testimonies to this claim.
“I want to reaffirm our commitment as an institution to provide you with all the tools necessary for your success, we are here to guide and support you throughout this remarkable journey,” he added.
