The Vice Chancellor of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Prof. Ibrahim Hassan Garba, has warned the 4,355 newly matriculated students against cultism, drugs, and examination malpractice, which he said can ruin their future.

Garba issued the warning while addressing new students at the University’s Yelwa Campus on Friday. He described them as “soaring eagles” that should beware the storms that seek to ground them. “I charge you with fiery resolve: reject drugs, the poisonous tempests that drown brilliance in despair and snuff out lives before they blaze. Defy cultism, those dark illusions of power that fracture brotherhood into bloodshed and shatter futures.

“Banish examination malpractices, immorality, and every vice that whispers defeat. These are not trials for the bold; they are traps for the timid! ATBU Bauchi is your sanctuary of strength, our vigilance unyielding, our justice swift. Choose the light of integrity; acquaint yourselves with the Students’ Handbook to guide you, as violations of the University regulations attract sanctions,” the Don warned.

Garba further encouraged the new students to make their studies the blazing core of their journey. He urged them to dive into lectures like warriors into battle, conquer research with relentless curiosity, and wield the University’s world-class libraries, labs, and digital realms as their arsenal.

“Forge bonds with mentors, fuel your mind through debates and innovations, and let every assignment be a step toward mastery. Punctuality is your shield, diligence your sword; wield them to etch your name in the stars of success. Your degree is no fleeting trophy; it is the key to unlocking nations, leading industries, and reshaping destinies. Declare it boldly: Studies first, my legacy demands it,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Faculty of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology has 231 students, the College of Medical Sciences has 388; the Faculty of Computing 526; the Faculty of Engineering and Engineering Tech 933; the Faculty of Environmental Technology 726; the Faculty of Management Sciences 356; the Faculty of Science 800. Others include; SPESSECE 107; and the Faculty of Technology Education 288.