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By Correspondent in Lokoja.
The Federal University Lokoja (FUL) has matriculated 9,097 students for the 2025/2026 academic session, charging them to steer clear of drug and substance abuse, examination malpractice, and all forms of social vices.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwumi, gave the charge on Friday during the matriculation ceremony held at the university’s Felele Campus, urging the new undergraduates to embrace discipline, focus, and academic excellence.
Prof. Akinwumi said the matriculants had successfully met the requirements of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as well as the university’s internal screening process, describing the admission exercise as highly competitive.
According to him, the number of newly admitted students reflects the institution’s firm commitment to merit, quality education, and the pursuit of academic excellence.
He explained that the matriculation oath taken by the students morally and legally binds them to the rules, regulations, and constituted authority of the university, stressing that any breach would attract appropriate sanctions.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the ceremony was of special significance to him, as it marked the last set of students admitted under his administration as the third Vice-Chancellor of the institution, with his tenure ending in February.
“I receive you with a deep sense of fulfilment and pride. I am confident that you will build on the solid foundations laid by this administration and fully embrace our philosophy that the sky is our limit,” he said.
Prof. Akinwumi reminded the students that university education comes with responsibility, accountability, and discipline, urging them to take their studies seriously.
He emphasized that class attendance is compulsory, warning that any student with less than 75 per cent attendance would not be eligible to sit for end-of-semester examinations. “Attendance is not optional; it is mandatory,” the Vice-Chancellor stressed.
The Vice Chancellor also cautioned against examination misconduct, noting that the university has zero tolerance for malpractice and that penalties for such offences are severe.
Hr further advised the students to stay away from drug and substance abuse, while emphasizing that the institution maintains strict standards on decent dressing and personal appearance.
“Decency reflects discipline, and discipline is the pathway to success. You are therefore required to comply fully with the approved dress code at all times,” he said.
Prof. Akinwumi urged the students to be security conscious, avoid violent protests, and embrace dialogue as a peaceful means of resolving grievances, while also encouraging active participation in sports and recreational activities.
He called on the matriculants to justify the sacrifices of their parents and guardians by shunning deviant behaviour and remaining focused on their purpose in the university.
“Remain focused on why you are here,to learn, to grow, and to prepare for the future. Do not be an NFA,No Future Ambition student.
Have a vision, set goals, and pursue them with diligence,” he advised.
Quoting the philosopher Aristotle, Prof. Akinwumi reminded the students that, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit,” adding that their future begins “here and now.”
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
