It was a colourful carnival-like ceremony at the 18th matriculation of the Kogi State University (KSU) in Anyigba. By 8am, the university auditorium had been filled to capacity, while the freshers and their parents sat quietly, waiting for the arrival of the procession of top management officials.
At 10am, the management procession moved into the auditorium, marking the beginning of the ceremony.
The Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Muhammed Sani Abdulkadir, who was performing his second matriculation rite since his appointment, said the ceremony marked the beginning of the freshers’ journey to their future, urging them to aspire for excellence.
He said the event should have been held earlier, but it was delayed because of the elongated internal strike by workers’ unions.
The VC assured parents and guardians of his commitment to maintaining stable and unbroken academic calendar, irrespective of the challenges that the institution may face.
He said his administration would help students attain their dreams and aspirations, adding: “Across the world, institutions that are striving for positive reform and transformation will naturally encounter initial pains for enduring gain.”
Prof Abdulkadir gave a breakdown of the freshers, noting that the school admitted 5,164 students. He said the Faculty of Social Sciences admitted 1,227, recording the highest number of freshers, while the Faculty of Law had the lowest number, admitting 65 students.
The Faculty of Agriculture admitted 560 student, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, 779, Faculty of Education, 781, Faculty of Management Sciences, 1,040, and Faculty of Natural Sciences, 712.
The VC told the students that there were rights, privileges and limitations they have as members of the university community, adding that there had obligations expected of them.
He warned the students against cultism, armed robbery, prostitution, examination malpractices and acts capable of bringing disrepute to the university, noting that the school has zero tolerance for vices.
He urged the freshers to study hard to achieve excellence, adding that they would be given certificates in character and learning during their graduation.
After taking the matriculation oath, the freshers moved to their respective department for parties. Photographers, Disk Jockeys (DJs), Masters of Ceremonies (MCs), Cake Bakers and other services providers made brisk businesses.
A cacophony of sounds blared from different speakers. The campus was practically in revelry as the fresh students and their parents feted their guests.
A fresher, Maimuna Wada, pledged to make her parents proud. She promised to be dedicated to her studies and not to allow distractions in the course of her stay on the campus.
Another fresher, Samuel Omoniyi, gave gratitude to God for his admission, saying he was in the school for the purpose of achieving excellence and to contribute positively to the growth of society.
Credits: Yabagi Mohammed | Nation
