UNICAL matriculates over 7,194 new students

No fewer than 7,194 freshmen of the University of Calabar have been admonished to respect constituted authority by adhering strictly to the rules and regulations of the Institution. The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Banku Obi, gave the admonishment while delivering her address to the 44th matriculation ceremony of the Institution held at the Abraham Ordia Stadium. Prof. Obi while congratulating the freshmen for being fortunate out of the over 40,000 that applied for admission into the university noted that for them to achieve their academic dreams, they must shun all forms of anti-social activities such as cultism, indecent dressing, sexual harassment, stealing amongst others. She warned that any student found indulging in any of these vices will be handed over to law enforcement agencies as well as face sanctions ranging from suspension from the University to outright rustication. Prof. Florence Obi said the 2nd generation Federal University, is well-known for its academic tradition and excellence, noting that the institution has done well and has enjoyed the generous support of the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari. The University Helmsman informed the matriculants that in line with the Institution's mission and motto which is "knowledge for Service", the university has successfully graduated scholars spread around the globe that are making significant contributions to the growth and development of society with the skills acquired from the University, this is even as she said the feat will be maintained and as such, the freshmen are expected to fly the University flag higher. Her words, "Today, we will formally admit these 7194 "special wise men and women '' into the University and get them to write their names in our register as bonafide and authentic students of the University with all the rights and privileges appertaining thereto. I congratulate you and your parents on this success". She used the occasion to pledge her commitment towards providing quality education that will enable them to cope with the demands and expectations of the world of work after graduation while maintaining that the freshman is expected to imbibe the ethics of the University so that the University will pass through them as they pass through the University. She further informed that the students Union Government is saddled with the responsibility of assisting them in providing social activities and leadership roles in the university even as the faculty and departmental Associations are to provide other Co-curricular activities for a well-rounded education in the university, urging the freshmen to take advantage of such opportunities.