Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, on Wednesday admonished the newly admitted students of EduSoko University, Bida, to be diligent in their studies and be good ambassadors of their families and the institution.
Abubakar, who is also the Chairman, Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, spoke in Bida during the 4th matriculation of 245 students into various departments for 2024/2025 academic session in the university.
The Etsu Nupe, who is also the proprietor of the university, said the school was established to bolster educational development of Nupe land, Niger state and Nigeria at large.
Abubakar vowed that the institution would set global standards with a view to producing quality manpower for Nupe land, the state and the country at large.
The first class traditional ruler also tasked the students to be focused in their studies, warning that the management of the university would not condone laxity, laziness and indiscipline.
He enjoined the students to justify being in the institution by taking their studies seriously.
“You are here for a serious business; do your best and concentrate on your studies so that you can come out with good results and make both your parents and the institution proud,” the Etsu Nupe charged.
He urged the students to abide by the rules and regulations of the school and avoid social vices that would negatively impact their future.
Abubakar commended the efforts of the board members, the Vice-Chancellor and the management and staff of the university in boosting the academic standards of the school.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Tanko Suleiman, had earlier warned the newly matriculated students against cultism, drug abuse, examination misconducts and other negative activities.
He warned that examination malpractice, drug abuse, cultism and other negative vices have affected the education of many Nigerians negatively.
“You must avoid vices, such as cultism, drugs, alcoholism, examination misconducts, indecent dressing and acts that violet the institution’s rules and regulations.
“Anyone found wanting shall be made to face strict disciplinary actions that can lead to expulsion from the university or even jail terms.
“Today we are matriculating a total of 245 students, comprising 23 in the faculty of Computing Sciences, 45 in the faculty of Management and Social Sciences, and 177 in the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences.
“The figure marks a significant increase over the previous year which was 165. This is a good sign of the confidence and trust you as students and your parents have in our great university,” he said.
Suleiman said that matriculation was a process of formally empowering fresh students as bonafide members of the university community.
“Your moral behaviour, academic endeavour and interpersonal skills that will make your sojourn in the university a successful one must not be compromised,” he advised
Suleiman said the university curriculum was specifically designed to provide students with opportunity to achieve high standards.
The vice-chancellor also advised the students to be careful with the choice of the peers they associate with.
He appreciated parents who made it possible for their children to attain the height.
“Their financial support and encouragement must be adequately rewarded by your dedication and strong commitment to your studies,” he said.
Augustine Agatha and Hyelni Hamman, of Nursing and Public Health Department, described the event as a memorable one for them.
They hoped that the matriculation would be the starting point of excellence in their lives and thanked God for keeping them alive to witness the special day.
NAN
