The Federal College of Education Okene, Kogi state has matriculated 182 students into the eleven undergraduate programmes of the institution for 2017/2018 academic session.
Provost of the college, Dr Umaru Hassan, in his speech after the administration of matriculation oath on the students at the School of Arts and Social Sciences auditorium, said the figure consisted of 56 students in 100 level and 126 students in 200 level.
Dr Hassan who tasked the new students on reading culture, urged them to take their academic works seriously and shun examination
malpractice, cultism and other anti-social activities that are inimical to their scholarly pursuits.
“I am aware that you have been enlightened on the fundamentals and basic values guiding your course of study in both institutions. It is very important to stick to those rules and regulations religiously because any default by you will attract serious negative consequences.
“You are therefore expected to digest thoroughly and comply with them to serve as your guide in navigating through the fountain of university education,” the provost said.
The provost who commended the mother university, the University of Ibadan (UI), for it’s commitment toward the success of the programme, appealed to the management of the institution to prevail on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to increase the student enrolment capacity of the college.
“In addition, I want to use this medium to call on UI to consider the reduction of the cut-off point from the present 200 to 180, to accommodate the teeming prospective candidates seeking admission to this college.”
In his speech, vice chancellor of UI, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka, told the students that UI remains the epitome of knowledge, morality and decency within and outside Nigeria, urging them to guard the qualities jealously.
The VC who was represented by the director, directorate of affiliated institutions, Prof. M. K. Akinsola, urged the matriculating students to always get involved in positive student activities that would enable them become rounded personalities that would be found worthy in learning and character at the end of their studies.
Commending the management of the FCE Okene on the success recorded so far on the programme, the VC assured that UI would continue to do its best to sustain the culture of academic excellence in all its affiliated institutions.
