SUNDAY April 13, 2025 |
By thenewsdesk.ng

Abia State University (ABSU) in Uturu held its 43rd matriculation ceremony over the weekend, formally admitting 6,512 new students for the current academic year.

The group includes 44 postgraduate students, 6,374 regular undergraduates, and 94 students enrolled in the Institute for Continuing Education (ICE).

The ceremony was attended by the state Governor and Visitor to the university, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by Commissioner for Tertiary Education Professor Uche Eme Uche, and the new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Dr. Agwu U. Agwu, a former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly.

Vice Chancellor Professor Ndukwe Okeudo, presiding over the matriculation for the first time, congratulated the students but noted their admission remains provisional.

He stated, “If at any period in your academic career it is discovered that any of the credentials you claimed is forged, the university will not hesitate to expel you.”

He emphasized the university’s strict policies, saying, “ABSU has zero tolerance for cult related activities, examination malpractices, use of hard drugs, indecent dressing, sexual harassment and other vices, the culprits will be expelled,” and added, “The university is fully committed to the production of high quality graduates as great nation builders,” in line with ABSU’s motto, ‘Excellence and Service.’

Addressing past security concerns in the area, which included kidnapping, vehicle snatching, armed robbery, and abduction, Okeudo updated the community on new measures.

He reported, “Top-Notch Security has now been firmly and effectively put in place in and around the State University in addition to the state government-created Security Outfit named ‘Operation Crush’ and others who are now part of the available 24-hour security surveillance that guards and protects the university and environs.”

He reassured students, parents, and guardians, stating, “The university community, including parents and guardians of the students and wards,” can rely on the safety measures now in place. Okeudo expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for supporting the security efforts.