By Patrick Obia
“Reject any activity – cult, yahoo-yahoo and other unlawful associations that will take you out of your dreams,” said the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Professor Augustine Angba, Wednesday at the 19th matriculation ceremony of the varsity in Calabar.
“Refuse to listen to those staff and students who propagate the idea that you can only have good grades through sorting. This is not true and the University condemns sorting completely and in strong terms,” the varsity don added in what serves as the initiation of 6,342 students in five different faculties into the University community.
The exercise marks part of activities for Angba’s one year in office and will hold in three other satellite campuses – Obubra, Abakpa and Okuku campuses until Friday.
His tenure has witnessed a violent attack on properties after a student was stabbed to death. And, the Vice Chancellor appealed subtly to the freshers to ensure they behave in a way that they will leave school when it is time for them to.
“It is my desire and sincere prayers, that in the next four or five years, all of you will gather here for convocation. You have entered, let nothing keep you away from leaving with honour and glory at the appropriate time.
“The act of arson and destruction of the University’s property for any reason is equally frowned at just as we condemn all forms of social vices, it is important to note that the school only will reward well-behaved students accordingly,” he said.
Furthermore, he implored the students to make good use of their study year, as the display of matriculation gowns are not victory over the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), rather, the genesis into manhood in their various careers adding that education is a choice.
He averred that: “To my fresh and matriculating students, today’s ceremony is not just wearing academic gown. It is not an event to showcase your victory over JAMB. It is an initiation into the lvory tower, a place where your intellect is horned; a place where erstwhile unquestioned ideas are turned into intellectual quests; a place where ignorance is replaced with knowledge, a place where you are to grow into a man and Woman of impeccable character for the purpose of enhancing humanity.
“As you start your journey as a full citizen of CRUTECH/UNICROSS, it is pertinent to know that education is a choice: If you are not willing to learn nobody can force you, if you are determined to learn nobody can stop you.”
Assuring students that, amenities which have been major concern over the years in the campus, Professor Angba, said hostels have been renovated and classrooms are to be upgraded and new ones built with twenty-first century teaching and learning gadgets.
“As a Vice Chancellor, I have purposed to ensure that the culture of excellence, for which CRUTECH is known for, is upheld. Research and infrastructural development are my cardinal focus. I will put in everything to ensure that every student excels and under the most conducive learning environment. The hostels have been renovated and with constant supply of light and water. They are arrangements to provide more comfortable hostels and accommodations for students in all the four campuses of this institution. Existing classrooms are to be upgraded and new ones built with twenty-first century teaching and learning gadgets.
“I enjoin all stakeholders in the CRUTECH/UNICROSS project- Govemment, Governing council, staff, students, parents/ guardians to join together and build a legacy that will stand the test of time and place. I will not rest, we should not rest until we make CRUTECH/UNICROSS a greater place,” he said.
