Yesterday, history was been recorded again in the prestigious University of Calabar, the home of Malabites and Malabresses of reasonable actions, as 6,395 students were officially welcomed and admitted into the membership of the university community by the Vice Chancellor, Professor James Epoke, in what is termed as matriculation.
The big question begging for an answer now remains, WHAT IS NEXT?
It is on record that out of over twenty five thousand candidates indicated interest to study in this adorable institution, but because of some predicaments, the institution cannot admit all of them, therefore I urge all the new entrants to consider themselves lucky to be absorbed into this highly ranked and enticing citadel of learning.
For the freshers, amidst the bountiful celebration, I wish also to remind you all that though the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step, but remember that the beginning does not matter, but the end.
Challenge yourself that as you matriculate yesterday, at the end of your 4,5, or 6,years depending on your chosen discipline, you will convocate as well.
Paul the apostle rightly put it, that faith without work is in vain, and to whom much is given, much is also expected.
Now that your level has changed, be rest assured that your challenges have also expanded, and you need to reason now as an undergraduate.
Take your lectures as serious as your daily meals, and your course work more serious as yourself. Beware of the non academic students who are found everywhere within the four walls of the university roaming about like the roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
Let the University rules and regulations be at your finger tip, and never you end your training only in the lecture room, but make good use of your time to cater for the extracurricular activities, which will help build you in character for greater responsibilities in the future.
Above all, remember the alpha and the omega, the way, the truth and the life, the one that has all the power to do and undo, and as such, never you joke with your religious life.
I know it is the dream of you all to graduate with First Class degree, but just know that it is not possible for all of you to achieve that, but work towards earning a good grade at the end of your studies.
Let me end this piece with this story, In 2009/2010, about 86 students were admitted into the department of Medical Lab.Science of this same University, but at the end of their study in 2013/2014 session, less than 50% are graduating.
Just like the parable of the sower in the Bible where different seeds fell at different soils and produced different results, it is left for you to decide where to belong, and what fruit you will produce.
Once again, I join the management of the University to welcome you all to my ALMA MATA, the home of reasonable actions, where future leaders are raised for the nation.
Raymond Ekemini is a graduate of UNICAL and a CrossRiverWatch reporter and writes from Calabar.
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