AKSU Matriculates 2,403 Students, advices them to stay away from anti-social activities

The authorities of Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) have have matriculated 2,403 students for the 2019/2020 academic session.

The Vice-Chancellor, PROFESSOR ENO JAMES IBANGA, FNIP, disclosed this on Friday, February 21, 2020 during the Matriculation ceremony held at the University Sports Ground, Main Campus, Ikot Akpaden.

He stated that a total of 2,403 candidates were offered provisional admission, out of which 2,190 were duly registered and cleared for Matriculation.

Recall that 2,305 students were admitted for the 2018/2019 academic session.

Prof. Ibanga on behalf of Senate also congratulated all the 2019/2020 freshmen for their success at the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the screening exercises.

He noted that all matriculating freshmen should be grateful to the Almighty God for His abundant grace and provision. He thanked God, parents and guardians for assisting the students to reach that level while urging the wards not to let their sponsors down.

Prof. Ibanga observed that Matriculation is the formal enrollment or registration of freshmen into the University as it grants the new entrants recognition as bona fide students of the academic community with rights and privileges of studentship.

He however sounded a note of caution that they are expected to behave as cultured members of the academic community and consciously undertake the task of managing their new found freedom in order to actualise their purpose in the University.

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Speaking further, the Vice-Chancellor informed the freshmen that part of the ceremony required them to subscribe to the Matriculation Oath, through a public but solemn declaration as they were expected to pledge loyalty, willingness to submit to constituted authority, obedience to extant rules and regulations of the University, uphold and promote the noble ideals and values for which Universities are known globally.

He added that they must also sign the Matriculation register and note their registration numbers for identification throughout their period of studentship in the University.

Prof. Ibanga assured the newly admitted students of a conducive learning environment.

In his words “The Akwa Ibom State Government has provided us with the facilities and resources to enable you to achieve your goals in the University.”

“The judicious use of our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has enhanced the infrastructural development of our campuses along with the provision of up-to-date facilities.

“We are also in collaboration with some Institutions and professional groups for the enhancement of some of our programmes.”

“The programmes in the University have been visited and assessed by professional bodies and the National Universities Commission (NUC) and have recorded healthy statuses.”

“I am pleased to inform you that all the programmes in Akwa Ibom State University have full accreditation. You are, therefore, guaranteed a recognised certificate upon graduation. This administration is committed to the development of the University to rank as one of the best globally, so that our products can hold their heads high wherever they go with their certificates”.

With the availability of good lecture halls and classrooms, well-trained lecturers and other personnel, laboratories and studios, libraries, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities, health center, well-equipped resource rooms among others, and the resolve by Management to maintain and improve those facilities, the Vice-Chancellor said the freshmen have every reason to succeed. He therefore enjoined them to work hard, make good use of the privilege offered them for excellent performance and tread on the right path during their academic pursuit in order to be a part of the noble achievement of the only University solely owned by Akwa Ibom State.

The Vice-Chancellor emphasised the importance of completing the registration process as they will not be recognised as students except they are fully registered within the stipulated period. He advised them to take seriously all they were instructed during the Orientation exercise organised previously to launch them into the University community and impart them with guidelines throughout their stay in the University. He advised them to obtain, keep and use the Student Information Handbook which contains University regulations on general and academic matters, as well as sanctions for violation of such rules.

Prof. Ibanga warned against three antisocial activities which the University does not tolerate: students’ involvement in cultism, examination misconduct and indecent dressing.

He emphasised that in particular, cult groups and membership thereof are prohibited and any student involved in cult activities will be summarily expelled. He reminded that the Akwa Ibom State Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel March 12, 2018 signed the Cultism and other Violent Behaviour Prohibition Order 2018 proscribing cultism in the State.

Addressing the issue of social media, Prof. Ibanga warned students against publishing anything concerning the University without obtaining clearance and approval of the Vice-Chancellor through the Registrar.

Furthermore, he explained that the Whistle Blowing Policy had previously been introduced to curb vices like payment of money for marks, sex for marks, rape cases, cult activities, impersonation. He stated that the Policy is designed to reward any staff or student who identifies and reports such incidences leading to apprehension of the culprits with the sum of One Hundred Thousand (N100,000) Naira only.

The Vice-Chancellor also gave the AKSU VC HELP LINE where students could send text messages to enquire or complain about any issue of concern. The first three students who sent text messages to the Help Line received a token cash gift on the day of the Matriculation. Prof. Ibanga then formally welcomed all freshmen to the University and wished them a successful learning experience.

High point of the ceremony was the Oath taking administered by the Registrar of the Institution, Mr. John E. Udo.

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