By Gabriel Chy Alonta & Lawrence Nwimo
The Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Anambra state, Dr. Tessy Okoli, has warned fresh students of the college to abstain from cultism and other activities that could truncate their academic career.
Okoli gave the warning at the 32nd/10th joint matriculation ceremony for fresh undergraduate students of the college, held on Friday, at the school’s convocation arena. She also used the occasion to advise fresh intakes to take their studies seriously, noting that the college was reputed for strict disciplinary measures against offensive actions.
The Provost told her audience to avoid all forms of immorality including cultism, examination malpractice, indecency and unruly behaviours, stressing that such were not associated with the institution.
Dr. Okoli, who maintained that the college was committed to a crime-free campus, said “the school has zero tolerance for cultism and has maintained a rigid policy that outlawed student’s cultism. Offenders face outright expulsion and prosecution by relevant authorities.
“Our commitment to a crime-free campus remains sacrosanct. As you take your matriculation oath today, I urge you to live by your vow and conduct yourself with decorum throughout your stay in the college.
“The college does not tolerate bribe-for-marks, often called ‘sorting’. We do not condone harassment or exploitation of students. We will continue to protect our reputation as an institution of choice, a fertile ground for academic honesty and a school for future champions.”
While she noted that quality education remains a watchword of the school, the Provost reassured that the college management would continue to provide the required facilities and resources for excellence to thrive.
She also disclosed that the school’s interest in sound academic excellence and entrepreneurship has not only equipped students with employable skills, but moulds them into job creators on completion of their various programmes.
In an address, the Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Charles Esimone, congratulated the students and reminded them of the purpose behind the affiliation between the two institutions. He acknowledged that the college’s academic programmes were in tandem with the requirements of the university, saying that the affiliation offers students a privilege to study for a degree of the university in an academic programme of the college.
Esimone, represented at the matriculation by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Frederick Odibo, advised the new students to leverage on the opportunity, saying that students’ outputs rely on the amount of seriousness devoted in studies.
Also, the Chairman, 7th Governing Council of the College, Hon. Sekav Dzua Iyortyom, advised the students to leverage on the bountiful opportunities for academic success in the college, and urged them to desist from acts that could be detrimental to their future.
“I urge you, the matriculating students, that your being here is not a tea-party. Don’t involve yourself in crime or sexual life that will stop your education halfway.
“The president is doing his best to promote education for the entire nation. He has done this by establishing more colleges of education, polytechnics and universities across the country”, he added.
In separate interviews, Chimaobi Okolo of Physics department and Chiamaka Sunday of Biology Education, thanked the college management, while promising to keep to the matriculation oath. They expressed optimism that they would have a fruitful stay in the college.