By Ogochukwu Isioma
The recently established University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, on Friday July 8, 2022 matriculated a total of 2,001 newly admitted students for the 2021/2022 academic session.
CAMPUS GIST reports that the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Mrs) Stella Chiemeke gave the figure at the maiden matriculation ceremony held in Agbor, the institution’s main campus.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Chiemeke described the event as significant, “as it marks the formal enrolment of the matriculating students into the university’s academic program, in line with the recommendations of the National Universities Commission.”
“The ceremony also provides an opportunity for you, young men and women, to pledge your allegiance to the authority of the University through the administration of the Matriculation Oath,” she said, adding, “You will also be expected to contribute your quota to enhancing the university’s image wherever you find yourself and to ensure that you do not bring the university’s name into disrepute.”
The Vice Chancellor congratulated the newly matriculated students, saying “you have been admitted to the prestigious University of Delta due to your hard work, drive, and perseverance. Today, as you officially start the next stage of your educational career, I want you to focus and realize that in front of you, like a winding road, lie tremendous opportunities and experiences that will define your university experience and set you on the path of your professional and personal life.
“At UNIDEL we take pride in not only training students in academic work but also in character so that upon graduation, the student is entirely ready to be responsible citizens who will contribute to national development in a patriotic and result-oriented manner. So we recommend that you emulate the example of your mentors and teachers in self-discipline, self-care, and a suitable mode of dressing.”
Prof. Chiemeke called on the matriculating students to shun cultism and hooliganism “as UNIDEL is pledging zero tolerance on its activities, fidelity to your studies and work, and general comportment so that you will not be found wanting at any time.”
“Your primary aim for coming here is to study, and I urge you to channel your energies in that direction. Remember that you were admitted to the University as an individual and will graduate as an individual. You are, therefore, solely responsible for all your actions. Over time, you will encounter new experiences. Some of you will enter new relationships, some of which may be life-long. By all means, enjoy them but remain focused.
“As your lecturers, hall managers and advisors, we shall be available to guide you, so long as you are willing to be trained. We will give you all the necessary support, but only if you use legitimate means to seek such consent. Remember to make time to read official notices and pay attention to University rules and regulations. These will guide you and help you make the right decisions regarding your time here,” Prof. Chiemeke added.
The Vice Chancellor disclosed that the Legal Education Council has accepted a visit to the University after the Eid-el-Kabir break, to approve the Law Programme. “Immediately after that, the University will publish the list of the Law admitted students,” she said.
‘UNIDEL’s vision’
According to the Vice Chancellor, although this is the institution’s first matriculation ceremony, “the University has a strategic vision to offer the best in cutting-edge research and service delivery in science, engineering, leadership and management. To this end, the University is partnering with world-class universities across the globe to enable her to deliver on the excellence geared toward producing competent graduates capable of meeting the challenges of national development.”
Prof. Chiemeke disclosed that the institution’s pioneer students of the Department of Cyber Security have made a remarkable achievement as they won medals at the 5th Annual Hackathon Cyber Security Conference. “Amos Dominion Elo and Obi Michael Elo were tested on Open Source Intelligence, Digital Forensics, and Reverse Engineering in a competition involving the best and the brightest in Cyberspace Technology, drawn from about sixty (60) universities. The 2022 Annual Hackathon and Cyber Security Conference, which took place in Abuja, saw the UNIDEL team emerging 15th in the 1st stage, which got them to the grand finale, where they appeared 5th overall best,” Prof. Chiemeke added.
She continued, “The University’s strategic vision is to be an institution of excellence geared toward producing competent graduates capable of meeting national development challenges. We do not doubt that this University is firmly positioned to solve the unemployment problems in Delta State and Nigeria. Therefore, graduates of this University cannot join the army of job seekers in the nation; they will be owners and pioneers in some years. Indeed, the University has a very tall mission and vision statement; however, our resources are minimal. Nevertheless, we will continue to appeal to all Deltans, men and women of goodwill, to support the University to attain its noble dreams and aspirations.”
‘Appeal for more help’
While thanking the State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa for his support towards the University so far, the Vice Chancellor called on the Governor to support the University in building a 1,000 capacity Lecture theatres, tar the roads within the campuses to befit the University standard, construct the University Main Auditorium, and build more hostels and staff quarters.
“In addition, there is a need to establish the College of Medicine and invite MDCN (Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria) for the accreditation of the programs,” the Vice Chancellor pleaded with the Governor.
Highlight of the matriculation ceremony was the administration of the Matriculation Oath on the matriculating students by the University Registrar, Barr Richmond Omagbemi.
Dignitaries present at the ceremony include the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, Dr Benjamin Ikechukwu Keagborekwuzi. CAMPUS GIST reports that the ceremony also witnessed the official robing of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Emeritus Prof. Emmanuel A. C. Nwanze by the university Vice Chancellor.
Pictures from the Matriculation Ceremony below;
