3,143 students matriculate at LASU

 PROF. John Obafunwa, Vice-Chancellor (VC), Lagos State University (LASU), has urged parents and well-meaning Nigerians to donate towards boosting the image of the institution as one of the best in the world.

Obafunwa made the appeal on Wednesday at the matriculation of the 3,143 2014/2015 newly admitted students of the university.

“The institution would thankfully accept donations of buildings and equipment from parents, guardians and well-meaning Nigerians, as part of efforts to make LASU one of the best in the world,’’ he said.

Obafunwa solicited for the co-operation of parents and guardians in joining the LASU Parents’ Forum to participate in moulding the character of the students to become responsible fellows in the future.

According to Obafunwa, the joy of the matriculation would be short-lived if the students are unable to complete their programmes due to academic deficiencies.

“Parents and guardians are therefore implored to join hands with the university in nurturing the minds of these freshmen for a brilliant, better and rewarding future.

“As the future of this nation depends on them,’’ the VC said.

He warned the new students to steer clear of cult related activities, as the penalty for cultism was expulsion.

“Cultism is evil and those who participate in it are not only wrecking themselves but the society,’’ he warned.

Obafunwa stated that 3,143 students were cleared for the matriculation out of the 4,166 candidates that were offered admission for the 2014/2015 academic session.

“The breakdown is as follows: Faculty of Arts – 473, Faculty of Management Science – 717, Faculty of Social Science – 478, Faculty of Science – 567, Faculty of Education – 474, School of Communication – 107.

“College of Medicine (Physiology inclusive) – 102, Faculty of Engineering – 181 and Faculty of Transport – 44,’’ he said.

The VC said the matriculating students were selected through a largely merit-driven admission process and had been issued matriculation numbers after payment of their fees.

“The 2014/2015 admission exercise was transparent and based on merit.

“The Lagos State Government has been magnanimous in reducing the school fees to N25,000 in order to allow more students intake,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that LASU had matriculated 1,119 in the 2013/2014 academic session when the tuition fee was between N198,000 for Faculty of Arts and N350,000 for the College of Medicine. (NAN)