Abubakar Rasheed, former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, has congratulated newly admitted students of Margaret Lawrence University, describing them as fortunate to study at the institution during the university's third matriculation ceremony in Abuja on Monday.
Rasheed noted that matriculation marks the official beginning of a student's academic life, explaining that once students take the matriculation oath, they are formally admitted into the university community.
"You know, there are only two very important ceremonies for any university student. One is matriculation, the other is convocation. One is birth, the other is death. One is beginning, the other is the end. There are two requirements. You have to be academically serious, and you have to also be ethically responsible," Rasheed stated.
He warned the students against negative social influences, urging them to maintain high moral standards and expressing confidence that they would complete their studies.
Professor Ernest Izevbigie, Vice Chancellor of Margaret Lawrence University, announced the ban on the use of smartphones on campus by students to minimise distractions and ensure they remain focused on their academic pursuits.
A total of 272 fresh students were formally admitted into various programmes during the ceremony, with the Vice Chancellor charging them to remain focused and strive for excellence throughout their academic journey.
"Using a cell phone can be a distraction. For them to focus on their studies, we do not allow smartphones on campus. Their parents know that, and it is even one of our selling points. They have phones; we are not saying they cannot call. They have regular phones to make calls and send texts, but they cannot use smartphones or Android phones while on campus," Izevbigie explained.
He noted that the first violation attracts approximately two weeks' suspension, with subsequent violations attracting stiffer penalties.
The Vice Chancellor said the university currently runs eight faculties, including Medicine, Law, Engineering, Computing and Environmental Sciences, and Management and Social Sciences, highlighting facilities including the acquisition of the Anatomage Table Series 12, a virtual dissection tool used for advanced medical training.
Paul Odili, Pro Chancellor and founder of the university, expressed satisfaction with the successful matriculation ceremony, encouraging parents to enrol their children in the institution.
"We can remodel your children and prepare them for the future. We are ready to bring to the world a different set of tomorrow's champions," Odili stated.
Izevbigie encouraged students to cultivate entrepreneurial skills before graduating, urging every student to have a business plan and register a company with the Corporate Affairs Commission before completing their studies.
