Makurdi, Benue State – The Benue State University (BSU) community came alive a few days ago as the institution held its 31st matriculation ceremony, ushering in over six thousand new students into the university.
The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University (BSU), Prof. Tor Iorapuu, charges the newly admitted students in the 2023/2024 academic session to embrace hard work, integrity, and commitment to excellence as they embark on their academic journey.
Addressing the matriculating students, Prof. Iorapuu urged them to fully engage with their studies and participate in campus activities.
He highlighted the importance of acquiring not just knowledge, but wisdom and experience that would allow them to make meaningful contributions to society.
“You must define your purpose and understand why you are here. Do you want to graduate with a first-class degree, or do you want to leave without acquiring meaningful skills?” he asked the students, stressing the importance of setting goals and working diligently to achieve them.
The Vice-Chancellor also reiterated the university’s commitment to upholding high academic standards and providing students with a conducive learning environment. He assured students that BSU would continue to maintain its reputation for academic excellence and integrity.
Prof. Iorapuu highlighted the university’s achievements in producing notable graduates across various fields, including medicine, law, business, politics, and media. He also announced the commencement of new academic programmes, including the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and revealed that the Faculty of Architecture would admit its first set of students in the next academic session.
“The university has started the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and by the grace of God, the Faculty of Architecture will begin the next session. This brings the total number of faculties at BSU to 14,” the VC stated.
In addition to academic expectations, Prof. Iorapuu warned students about the consequences of misconduct, particularly examination malpractice, and urged them to adhere strictly to the university’s dress code and disciplinary standards. He emphasized that students found guilty of examination malpractice would face public disciplinary measures.
“Any student caught cheating will wear a uniform indicating their offence and will be made to serve punishment publicly,” he warned.
Prof. Iorapuu also encouraged students to make use of the university’s facilities, including the library, sports centre, counselling unit, and clinic, while urging them to join responsible student associations that promote personal growth.
The Vice-Chancellor took the opportunity to express gratitude to the Benue State government for its continuous support and announced ongoing projects, including the construction of a 1,600-bed hostel and the establishment of an innovation hub with the assistance of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund(TETFund) which had disbursed an undisclosed amount of money for this project.
The matriculation ceremony, which marked the official entry of the new students into the university, concluded with Prof. Iorapuu’s best wishes for the academic success of the matriculating students.
