By Alex Enebeli
The Godfrey Okoye University (GOUNI), Enugu, on Friday matriculated no fewer than 784 new students into various faculties of the institution for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Performing the 17th Matriculation Ceremony at the university premises, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Christian Anieke, described the institution as the best private university in the South-East and one of the top 10 private universities in Nigeria.
Addressing the matriculants, Anieke emphasised that the essence of university education was beyond acquiring certificates, stressing that it was fundamentally about developing knowledge-driven and problem-solving skills.
“Employability depends a lot on the skills you have. One of the fundamental skills you will learn at the university is problem-solving, analytical thinking, creativity, decision-making, communication and research skills,” he said.
According to him, the university’s learning environment is structured to ensure that students acquire these skills across all aspects of campus life.
He noted that examination questions were designed to test students’ analytical and problem-solving abilities, adding that the institution, through its Directorates of Entrepreneurship and Competitions, strived to groom students into solution-oriented leaders.
The vice chancellor also urged them to participate actively in social and co-curricular activities to develop their talents, as the university did not celebrate mediocrity.
On financial discipline, Anieke advised the students to cultivate financial intelligence by budgeting according to available income, comparing prices before purchases, saving consistently, and prioritising their needs.
He reminded them that the university maintained strict moral and disciplinary standards, warning against involvement in cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice, cybercrime, gay, lesbianism and other social vices.
He added that the institution remained committed to spiritual development, describing it as a praying university that encouraged participation in common prayers and services.
In a goodwill message, the Rector, Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu, Prof. Gozie Ogbodo, congratulated the new students and charged them to always act in ways that uphold the integrity and reputation of the institution.
“You should shun those characters that smear the reputation and integrity of this institution,” he advised.
Speaking on behalf of the matriculating students, Miss Jessica Onyeka, of the Department of Nursing Sciences, described the ceremony as “evidence of perseverance.”
She recounted the sleepless nights, anxieties and uncertainties many students experienced before securing admission, noting that their presence at the ceremony symbolised resilience and determination.
“We are Gen Zs, innovative, expressive and ready to take over responsibly. We will pair knowledge with character, skills with ethics, and ambition with discipline,” she pledged.
She expressed gratitude to the university management, lecturers, student leaders and parents for their sacrifices and support, promising that the new students would uphold the institution’s rules and values. (NAN)
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maureen Atuonwu
