Address of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, at the Matriculation Ceremony, 2020/2021 Academic Session, held on Monday, 4th October, 2021

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Bursar, University Librarian, Provost of College of Medicine, Dean of the Postgraduate school, Deans of Faculties, Dean of Students Affairs, Directors, Heads of Department, other Heads of Unit and Members of Senate of the Federal University of Lafia, Representative of JAMB Registrar, Other Invited Guests, Matriculating Students and their Parents, Gentlemen of the Press, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

I welcome you all to matriculation ceremony for the students admitted into Federal University of Lafia this year (2021/2022 academic session). I want to recognize all parents and guardians who are here today to witness this historic event. I hereby specially congratulate our matriculating students and those who are felicitating with them on this memorable day. Today’s matriculation ceremony is for admission into first degree programmes in eight Faculties. While congratulating you the new students for being found suitable for admission at this time, you should count yourselves among the luckiest ones.

As fresh students, it is expected that you will abide by all rules and regulations of this institution and participate in all activities of the University. You must be fully committed to your studies and justify your selection out of the thousands who wanted to come and study in this noble institution. Registration is the first step of actualizing your admission into the University. By now most of you are supposed to have completed or are about completing the registration exercise. It is hoped that you will all conclude soonest. You are not a student until you are fully registered and there is a time limit for the registration exercise. Once you are not fully registered, you are not a bona fide student of the University.

I am particularly excited about this year’s ceremony because the matriculating students of today are the second set of students to be admitted into Federal University of Lafia in this administration led by me as the third Vice-Chancellor of this University. I envision a University that is world-class, which is run on a business template to achieve the standards that prepare students for lucrative job market or as entrepreneurs. We are going to achieve this feat as a team, and those who are not ready to work in line with this vision, would be left behind.

The University which is located in Lafia was established in February 2011. It currently has a College of Medicine, a Centre for Continuing Education and Professional Development, two Schools (School of Basic and Remedial Studies and School of Postgraduate Studies), eight Faculties with fifty (50) undergraduate and forty-six (46) postgraduate programmes.

May I mention to you, the matriculating students that we have zero tolerance for any form of misconduct at Federal University of Lafia, and we do not hesitate to sanction unpleasant behaviours. I implore you to show respect to your colleagues and staff in the University to make your stay fruitful and productive. Be modest and decent in your dressing and approach to issues and adhere strictly to the rules and regulations enshrined in the Students Handbook.

The University does not permit the activities of any antisocial groups operating on the campus. In particular, membership of cult groups is prohibited and offenders will be summarily expelled. If you are already one, you are advised to renounce and voluntarily present yourself to the University for counselling, and help to rehabilitation and reintegration into the society. You are urged not to succumb to any threat to join any antisocial group.

The University encourages all students to dress according to acceptable standards. Undue exposure of body parts that have the potential to infuriate the sensibilities of others will be severely sanctioned. The security personnel in the University have been authorized to arrest offenders for necessary sanction. In addition, members of staff have been advised to prevent improperly dressed students from entering their offices and attending lectures.

I implore you the parents/guardians to partner with us in working towards the vision of the University. The University will continue to focus on its core purpose which is to Change Nigeria for good. This we hope to achieve by instilling the vision and mission of this great institution in our dear students.

The Vision: To be a renowned institution of learning, research and innovation for positive socio-economic transformation of the nation.

The Mission: Training of graduates and equipping them with skills for socio-economic development.

My dear matriculating students, it is a new dawn for all of you today, and by the grace of God, in about 4 or 5 year’s time, we will be gathered again for your convocation ceremony. I therefore charge you to make use of the best opportunity afforded you by your parents/guardians, ensure that you attend classes, shun all forms of deviant behaviours and other vices, and focus on your studies, which is why you are here.

Finally, I wish to assure you of adequate security on the two campuses. We, however, plead with you not to hesitate to report any suspicious activities

to the Dean of Student Affairs, Security Officers or indeed any staff of the University for Immediate Response. Be reminded that the oath taken by you today is to be obedient to the Vice-Chancellor, all those in authority, and to be of good conduct throughout your stay in the University. Please be warned that a breach of the oath will attract appropriate sanctions as stated earlier.

I pray that the Almighty God will watch over you, prosper you and make you all a source of pride to your families, states, country and humanity. Ameen. Congratulations once again to you the matriculating students and your parents/guardians.

Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman, PhD, FNAAE, FHORTSON, FASI, Hon. FNSPS

Professor of Agricultural Economics

Vice-Chancellor