By Uche Bibilari
Vice-Chancellor of University of Abuja, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, has charged the newly-admitted students to be disciplined, determined and committed to excellence during their stay in the university.
Fawehinmi stated this during the matriculation of 8,000 students of the 2025/2026 academic session on Thursday in Abuja.
He urged them to see themselves as ambassadors, approaching their studies with determination and enthusiasm while embracing challenges as opportunities for growth.
According to him, the students have become an integral part of the university (now known as Yakubu Gowon University), hence their conduct will be subjected to scrutiny.
“You are therefore expected to conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of this reputable institution of higher learning.
“Let it be clearly understood that the university has zero tolerance for acts of indiscipline, including cultism, examination misconduct, sexual harassment, drug abuse, unruly behaviour and other forms of antisocial conduct.
“Ignorance of the rules will not be accepted as an excuse. We implore you to respect and honour your matriculation oath at all times and remain law-abiding,
“Violators of the university regulations will be appropriately sanctioned,” he said.
The vice-chancellor advised the matriculating students to be serious in their studies, adding that the certificates they would earn at the end of their programme would be based on character and learning, with character even coming before learning.
“As your academic father, my commitment, and that of the entire university, is to support and guide you throughout this journey.
“We shall provide opportunities, facilities and mentorship to enable your talents to flourish and your aspirations to be realised.
“However, while the institution will create an enabling environment, your success will ultimately depend on your discipline, determination and commitment to excellence,” he said.
Fawehinmi stated that in the 2025/2026 academic session, more than 30,000 candidates applied for admission into the university, adding that due to capacity constraints and the commitment to maintaining quality, only 8,000 were admitted.
“Your admission from this highly-competitive pool is both a privilege and an achievement.
“You were selected because you met the requirements and demonstrated the character, capacity and potential to excel in this intellectually-stimulating environment.
“You have made your parents and guardians proud, and we share in that pride as a university community,” he said.
The vice-chancellor said that the students would learn a lot from cultivating a culture of collaboration, mutual respect and discipline, saying that the academic environment was characterised by orderliness, intellectual curiosity and healthy debate.
He urged the students to make wise decisions, choose their associations carefully and make full use of the academic, counselling, health and welfare services provided to support their growth.
“Let technology serve as a tool for learning and innovation rather than a distraction.
“Success in any sphere of human endeavour is achieved through diligence, perseverance and integrity,” he emphasised.
Fawehinmi noted that since his assumption of office as vice-chancellor, efforts had been made to reposition the university to better serve academic and personal development needs.
According to him, the institution is strengthening strategic partnerships, including collaboration with Galaxy Backbone to enhance ICT infrastructure and significantly improve internet access for teaching, learning and research.
He acknowledged the fact that hostel accommodation still remained a challenge, but assured that the university would continue to attract more applicants.
“We are working with relevant agencies, including TETFund and exploring public-private partnership (PPP) initiatives to provide additional and improved hostel facilities.
“Existing facilities are being maintained and the security of our students remains paramount to this administration,” he said.
The vice-chancellor urged both teaching and non-teaching staff members of the university to serve as not only educators to the students but also as role models.
He urged them to treat the students with respect, fairness and compassion so they might become responsible individuals who would positively impact the society.
Fawehinmi expressed appreciation to the parents and guardians of the newly-matriculated students for entrusting their children and wards into their care, assuring them of their safety.
“Do know that our doors are open to share any thought and idea with us that can help make your wards better, fulfill their ambitions and become better persons in life,” he said.
One of the matriculating students, Miss Favour Cyprian, expressed joy with her admission into the university, pleging to remain focused all through her academic journey and would not disappoint her parents.
NAN reports that the highlight of the event was the administration of matriculation oath on the students by the acting Registrar, Malam Mohammed Sambo. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Yinusa Ishola/’Wale Sadeeq
