Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has cautioned 11,500 newly matriculated students at Ebonyi State University against cultism, examination malpractice, and other social vices, warning that violations would result in expulsion.
The warning came during the 28th matriculation ceremony held at the university's permanent site in Ezzangbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, over the weekend, marking the largest student intake since the state's creation in 1996.
Dr Donatus Ilang, Commissioner for Education, represented Governor Nwifuru at the event, emphasising that his administration remains committed to promoting quality education through interventions, including increased monthly subvention, salary increments for staff, infrastructure upgrades, and debt settlements aimed at restoring the university's excellence.
"New students must focus on their studies, which is the primary purpose of being in the institution. Any act capable of truncating their education will not be tolerated," the governor stated through his representative.
Professor Michael Ugota, Vice Chancellor of EBSU, urged lecturers to dedicate themselves to educating and guiding students with integrity, calling on students to uphold good character and reject behaviours that could damage their reputation or that of the university.
Professor Ugota assured students that the university has eradicated cultism and other social vices on campus, highlighting efforts to end examination malpractice, sexual harassment, and extortion, emphasising that adherence to rules and ethical standards is mandatory.
He disclosed that five out of seven programmes recently reviewed have received full accreditation, noting that the university is now fully digitalised, allowing students to access programmes and pay fees online.
The Vice Chancellor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to academic excellence and thanked Governor Nwifuru for prioritising education in the state, noting that investments in the university would yield long term benefits.
The matriculation ceremony represents a significant milestone for EBSU, with the 11,500 student intake reflecting growing confidence in the institution's academic standards and infrastructure development under the current administration.
Governor Nwifuru's warnings to new students align with broader efforts across Nigerian universities to maintain discipline and academic integrity on campuses, with institutional leaders increasingly adopting zero tolerance policies toward cultism and examination fraud.
