The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) on Saturday -today, April 12 – admitted no fewer than 10,000 students on its 51st matriculation.
Speaking at the ceremony at the Nsukka campus of the university, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Pro Oguejiofor Ujam, stated that the university places high premium on merit, fairness and excellence, warning that any student who wants to succeed in the school must work hard, be punctual and attend classes regularly as well as be always law-abiding.
“Punctuality and regular class attendance and participation in all programmes, forms a substantial part of your continuous assessments,” he said.
The VC urged the new students to always be conscious that UNN is the first indigenous university in the country and strives to be the best at all time.
“Our underpinning philosophy is to seek the truth, to teach the truth, to preserve the truth and restoring the dignity of man as our motto.
“Our students are expected to live amicably and in harmony with other members of the university community.
“This can be achieved by mutual respect irrespective of differences in culture, religion, tribe or habits,” Ujam said.
The university has several policies to support and protect students from exploitations, harassments, intimidations and other forms of abuse at the hands of fellow students or staff, the Ag. VC assured, stating: “My administration will continue to implement these policies to ensure that students study in an atmosphere devoid of social encumbrances.
“You are therefore encouraged to report any form of exploitation or harassment to the appropriate authorities, notably to the Dean of Student Affairs or your Head of Department.”
Prof. Ujam further warned new students against membership or involvement in the recruitment of any student into any secret cult, as the university would not hesitate to rusticate any student found guilty.
“Pay serious attention to your studies being the reason why you are here as UNN has zero tolerance to cultism, examination malpractice and any other form of anti-social behaviours as such will either earn you suspension or expulsion,” he said.
The VC congratulated the new students for meeting all conditions required to be admitted into UNN , reminding them that the journey towards making a good result on graduation starts from now.
“Please stay focused, work hard and abide by the institution’s rules and regulations as well as the country laws , it’s in your best interest,” the VC advised.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the VC’s address to new students was read in all the faculties by the dean of each faculty.
In a remark, Prof. Chukwuemeka Nworu, Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences told the new students in the faculty to count themselves lucky, having been admitted into one of the most prestigious faculties in the university.
“Congratulations, you should be proud of yourselves; I also congratulate your parents as their sacrifices, prayers and supports have taken you this far.
“To you new students, I remind you that our faculty is renowned for academic excellence, research, innovation and strong commitment to producing pharmacists who are globally competitive and locally relevant.
“From this moment, we expect you to uphold the values and ethos that define this faculty which include discipline, integrity, diligence and excellence,” he said.
Some matriculants interviewed by NAN promised to work hard, abide by the university’s rules and regulations so as to earn good results on graduation thereby making their parents proud of them.
