Reported by: Eka Favour Sunday
The University of Calabar has matriculated 8,956 Students today at the 46th Matriculation ceremony.
In a grand celebration of academia, the Matriculation Ceremony at the University of Calabar held on Friday, January 26th, 2024, witnessed the enthusiastic induction of the newest cohort of students.
Prof. Florence Banku Obi, the esteemed Vice Chancellor and academic leader, set the tone for the day by extending a warm welcome to the fresh faces eager to embark on their educational journey.
In her statement she said "We congratulate you for scaling through the screening exercise and passing through the gates of the university. We welcome you into our home of culture, knowledge, civilization, and the application of knowledge for sustainable development."
Prof. Obi underlined the pivotal role of the institution, the Vice Chancellor further said "The University is the greatest institution established to enable people to acquire, digest, and advance knowledge relevant to the solutions of problems confronting mankind"
Discussing the admission statistics for the current academic year, she shared, "Approximately 20,250 pupils applied for the University of Calabar. Of this number, only 8,956 candidates have been admitted and are registered as authentic and bonafide students of the university."
Emphasizing the university's responsibility in guiding students toward positive outcomes and overall welfare, she remarked, "Our business is to show you how this race must be run to embrace a worthwhile prize in the end. First, you must be acquainted with the rules and regulations of the university in this race for your life fulfilment. You must be conscious of the fact that the officials of this race are your friends, and at the final crossline of the race, there will be only one judge - God."
Notably, the Vice Chancellor announced sessional scholarships for the best-graduating students in each department for an encouragement to the learning community of the great University of Calabar.
In an interview with Glory Paul, who expressed her joy at being admitted, she said, "I feel so happy. It's my second attempt, though, and I intend to graduate with a first-class."
Another student, Orok Awan, a matriculating student from the Department of Pharmacology, shared her experience coping with classes, saying, "It's not been easy, but I struggle every day to attend GSS classes." She added, "I intend to graduate with a first-class, but it is not a promise, though."
Another matriculant, Treasure, from the Department of Radiography, explained his choice of the University of Calabar as his first, stating, "It is the will of God." He acknowledged that the school fee hike initially discouraged him, but he eventually paid because he believed the school was meant for him”.
The event drew the presence of the Vice-chancellor as well as Deputy-Vice Chancellors, Bursar, Provost of Colleges, Deans of Faculties, Directors of Institutions, Heads of Departments, Staff, Parents, matriculating students, and other members of the academic community.
Comrade Sandra Michael, the president of
Nigeria Union of Campus Journalist of the University of Calabar council (NUCJ-UCC) hailed the Vice Chancellor, Professor Florence Banku Obi for always being there for the students, Michael also called on the freshers to face their studies and their career as well in order to make their school, nation, family members, even their personal selves proud.
Event covered by: Nigeria Union of Campus Journalist of the University of Calabar council (NUCJ-UCC)
Credits:
PHOTOGRAPHS
Nkanta Nse Nse
Samuel O. Umoh
Margaret Udofia
CORRESPONDENTS
Peace whyte
Lydia Chimbuchi
Solomon Effiong
Mfonma Afangideh