Gregory University, Uturu, Abia State, has marked its 13th matriculation ceremony, officially welcoming 467 undergraduate scholars across 13 colleges and 87 direct entry scholars for the 2024/2025 academic session......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
The event, held at the Goodluck Jonathan Auditorium, featured an address by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Cele Njoku, who reaffirmed the university’s commitment to excellence in both character and learning.
She urged the matriculants to remain focused and adhere to the institution’s guiding principles while actively participating in academic and extracurricular activities. She also warned against social vices such as cultism, gambling, and drug abuse.
“To the matriculants, I now say congratulations for coming this far because the journey was not an easy one.
“Since you have scaled through hurdles, it behoves you to programme yourself and know why you are here.
“I believe that you have come here with the hope of achieving your good heart desires and making your parents proud.
“It’s so lacking in our ways of advice. Morality and social values are held in this university and cannot be compromised for anything. We are here to ensure that before you get your certificate, you must be worthy in character and learning,” she stated.
The Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Augustine Uwakwe, also addressed the gathering, emphasising the university’s commitment to growth and development.
He highlighted the institution’s dedication to fostering partnerships and collaboration while expressing gratitude to parents and guardians for supporting their wards in pursuing tertiary education.
A highlight of the event was the address by the special guest, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the wife of the Governor of Abia State, who was represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu. She congratulated the university management and students on the milestone achievement and assured them of the state government’s unwavering support for education.
“This institution is committed to providing you with a world-class education, and I urge you to take full advantage of the resources and facilities available to you.
“The Government of Abia State, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, is committed to supporting our educational institution and providing the necessary resources to ensure that our students receive the best possible education.
“We will continue to invest in our education sector to improve our infrastructure and to provide opportunities for our students to excel,” she said.
Speaking to THE WHISTLER, some of the newly admitted students expressed their excitement about joining the university. Deborah Essin Kewem, a medicine and surgery student, shared her enthusiasm.
One of the students, Deborah Essin Kewem, from the Department of Medicine and Surgery, expressed delight in being admitted, noting, “I finally experienced university life and I’m going to make my parents proud.
“University is not just a place for you to come and be like you’re free and everything. You’re here to actually face your studies and the assurance I’m giving to my parents is I’m going to get first class.”
Similarly, Douglas Nweporelade, a law student, expressed his aspirations.
“My name is Douglas Nweporelade. I’m studying law. When I finish my five-year course, I can achieve a better future here as a lawyer.”
The ceremony was attended by principal officers of the university, faculty members, students, parents, and well-wishers.