Matriculation: MOUAU VC warns new students against cultism

Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, the Vice-Chancellor, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Abia has warned new students of the university against cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices.

He issued the warning at the 31st matriculation ceremony of the university in Umudike on Friday.

It was reported that 4,821 students matriculated at the ceremony.

Iwe implored the students to resist any temptation to join cult groups, urging them to report any suspicious activities to authorities.

The VC declared that any student found involved in cult activities, examination malpractice and other vices would face expulsion and legal action.

He said: “The university has zero-tolerance policy, and any student found guilty of these offences will face disciplinary measures in accordance with our established guidelines.

“As you matriculate today, I urge you to embrace the values of honesty, respect, and academic diligence.

“Your journey here is not only about acquiring knowledge, but also about becoming responsible citizens and contributors to a dynamic and progressive society.”

Giving a breakdown of the admission for the 2024/2025 academic session, Iwe said that 4,600 were admitted as undergraduate students, 150 as Continuing Education students and 31 for Postgraduate studies.

He said the figure was grossly inadequate when compared with the teeming population of candidates seeking admission into the university.

“We hope the figure will increase next year following the admission of students into the Department of Food Engineering and the relisting of our courses in the College of Management Sciences,” Iwe said.

He said that MOUAU was not just an institution of higher learning, but had become in the past three decades, a haven for knowledge seekers, a hub for innovation and a breeding ground for leaders.

According to him, Nigeria presently needs the universities of Agriculture to solve her food and feed problems.

Iwe, who highlighted some of the university’s numerous achievements in recent times, urged parents and guardians to endeavour to fund the training of their wards by paying their fees promptly.

It was reported that MOUAU was established in Nov. 2, 1992, through the promulgation of the Federal Universities of Agriculture Decree No. 48 of 1992.