Total Shutdown in Abakaliki as Ebonyi varsity Matriculates Over 11,500 Students

By Uchenna Okeh,  Abakaliki 

Ebonyi State Capital, Abakaliki, at the weekend witnessed a total shutdown as the state foremost university, EBSU, Matriculated over 11500 students.

The Nations News reports that the 28th matriculation ceremony of the university witnessed a Mammoth turnout of citizens and it is the highest intake since the creation of the state in 1996.

The event was held at the university’s permanent site in Ezzangbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi state.

The governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru who addressed the stakeholders and students, reiterated his administration’s unflinching commitment towards sound and quality Education in State.

He enumerated some interventions his administration has carried out in the University to include; increased monthly subvention, increment of staff salary, offsetting of debts owed by the University infrastructure facelift among others.

The Governor, represented by the commissioner for Education, Dr Donatus Ilang, commended the University Management for restoring the University’s excellence status. 

He congratulated and enjoined the newly matriculated student to face their studies which is the sole aim of being in the institution and shun every act capable of delaying or truncating their studies 

The vice chancellor, Prof. Michael Ugota while speaking at the event, 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 the youths and Nigerians at large 

Prof. Ugota who officially inducted the students, urged them to demonstrate good character in their studies. 

He advised them to reject anything that could damage their reputation and that of the university.

He urged the students to strictly adhere to their roles and responsibilities, emphasizing that any form of extortion or unethical behavior towards students would face severe consequences. 

The vice chancellor, Ugota Awoke revealed that, on assumption of office last year, he and the principal officer were confronted with the challenges of accreditation of faculty of Engineering and environmental studies. 

He noted further that they were equally confronted with the accreditation of Seven’s other programs, but announced that five out of the seven programs had been fully accredited.

Aside accreditation, Prof Awoke revealed that the University is fully digitalized and students can access the University programs at a click of button. 

He stated further that students can pay their school fees online without necessarily going through the bursary.

The Vice Chancellor said his administration has eradicated the menace of cultism and other social vices in the University community. 

He equally, revealed 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.

Prof Awoke opined that the era of sexual harassment and intimidation of students by their lecturers are gone, and warned students not to engage in indecent dresses to seduce lecturers.

Prof Awoke expressed full determination of his administration’s commitment to restoring the University to the path of academic excellence.

He commended the State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru for prioritizing Education in the State, assuming him that the huge investment made the University will not be regretted.

Responding, the former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Prof. 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.

Some of the newly admitted students Miss Ifeoma Onwe and Obinna Nnamdi assured the university of their total compliance with its rules and regulations. 

The Matriculation witnessed the presence of top government officials, Pro- Chancellor of the University, Rev Fr. Abraham Chukwuma Nwali, the University Management, parents and students.