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Acting Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State, Prof Joseph Ikechebelu has underscored the importance of academic excellence, urging students to take their studies seriously.
He warned the students against cultism, examination misconduct, certificate forgery and other vices.
Ikechebelu gave the warning on Friday at the official matriculation of year one students into the institution, marking the formal end of the 2024/2025 admission exercise.
He said while exam malpractice would attract suspension for up to three years and even expulsion, students found to have registered with fake certificates would be expelled from the University.
He described cultism as anathema in the University, insisting that all proven cultists would be expelled.
“Other deviant behaviors such as robbery, rape, etc are not tolerated for these are both misconduct and crime punishable by expulsion from the University and terms of imprisonment by the State,” he added.
Congratulating the matriculating students for scaling through the stiff competition for gaining admission, the VC urged them not to lose sight of the reason for their presence in the institution.
He assured them of fruitful stay through hard work and prayers to God.
He said, “It gives me great delight to welcome you to this event, which I consider quite momentous in your individual academic lives: the 2024/2025 Matriculation ceremony of the University.
“Today’s event marks the formal end of the 2024/2025 admission exercise of the
University.
“Matriculation ceremonies are usually joyous events in the life of the matriculating students, who have scaled through the stiff competition for gaining admission places in Nigerian Universities, more so Nnamdi Azikiwe University, this University of al Times, for which admissions competition is all the more stiffer.
“I came to office as Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University with a short term vision
to: Beautify UNIZIK; Light-up UNIZIK; Excellent UNIZIK; Safe and Secure UNIZIK; and Digitize UNIZIK.
“This is captured as BLESSED UNIZIK, with a hedge-hog concept of (HPS) 2 – Happy Productive Staff and Happy Progressive Students. Already we are making progress in this direction.
“As you make merry today, savouring your admission into this great University, I urge you at al times not to lose sight of why you are here. With hard work and prayers to God, your stay in this University will certainly earn you a good degree.”
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