New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State, has called on its 35 pioneer matriculating students to pursue academic excellence and avoid examination malpractice, warning that strict disciplinary actions will be taken to preserve the institution’s high academic and moral standards.

The charge was delivered during the private university’s matriculation ceremony held on its campus.

Speaking at the event, the visitor and founder of the university, Hon. Akin Akingbesote, stressed that the university is committed to rewarding academic excellence, assuring that students who graduate with a first class CGPA, and those who qualify as chartered accountants, would have their tuition fees refunded.

He said that the university’s vision is to compete with globally recognised institutions such as Harvard university, pointing out that the university is ready to invest in quality teaching and research that would drive national growth.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, assured the students of quality education that would equip them to be relevant in national discourse.

He noted that the university would be deliberate in providing quailty and enduring education value, adding that the university plans to expand its student population to about 6,000 and establish a Faculty of Law, as well as programmes in Chemical Engineering to the already five approved faculties.

“The expansion plan was designed to broaden access to tertiary education and produce graduates capable of competing globally,” he said.

Prof. Akinfeleye urged the pioneer students to demonstrate loyalty, discipline and commitment to their studies to help advance the university’s standing.

He also commended government agencies and regulators for providing a conducive environment for the establishment of new universities, noting that the support of the chancellor, vice-chancellor, and other stakeholders was crucial in laying the foundation for the university’s take-off.

In his remarks, the acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Joseph Olagunju, stressed that the establishment of the institution was driven by the need to complement existing universities and introduce innovative approaches to teaching, research and community engagement.

He urged the students to remain focused on their academic pursuits and uphold the institution’s core values of excellence, integrity, diligence and responsibility.