The Vice Chancellor, Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU), Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, Prof. Ibiyinka Fuwape, has advised the newly admitted students to be diligent and shun vices, saying the school would not hesitate to send them packing if found wanting.
Fuwape, who gave the charge at the nineth matriculation ceremony of the institution, noted that vices like examination malpractice, cultism, sexual harassment, and fighting attract sanctions that can lead to expulsion as the university has zero tolerance for unwholesome behaviour.
The vice chancellor disclosed that the university recently received approval from the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) to start three new undergraduate programmes, including Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, and Agricultural Science.
The Vice-Chancellor then advised the matriculants to be diligent and industrious in their academic pursuits.
She also announced that a School of Postgraduate Studies has been established, making the university a fully research-based institution.
Fuwape added that the institution has successfully completed eight academic sessions and graduated five sets.
The Chancellor, Dr Cecilia Ibru, charged the matriculating students to actively run with a vision and be worthy ambassadors of the university.
Represented by the Director of Estate, Mr Mark Amu, she also urged the new students to embrace Artificial Intelligence as it not only helps in keeping up with technological trends, but fosters a mindset of curiosity, innovation, and adaptation.
She added that as students of the university, they have a unique opportunity to not only learn about AI, but to actively engage with it, push its boundaries, and to explore its limitless possibilities.
She further noted that as future leaders, innovators, and changemakers, they have a collective responsibility to harness the power of AI for the greater good, to ensure that it serves humanity and enhances humanity’s well-being.
The guest speaker, Prof Eyesan Dabor, who spoke on the topic, “Technology, university education and development in Nigeria,” highlighted the challenges facing the sub-sector and emphasised the importance of investing in research.
He also faulted the current budgetary allocation to education budget saying it should be improved upon.
