The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, has urged newly admitted students of the institution to shun all forms of illegal practices that are capable of truncating their future.
Prof. Obi stated this at the 2020/2021 freshmen orientation exercise held at the institution’s International Conference Center.
The VC assured the students that her administration won’t let anyone harass them, adding that she will protect their rights and privileges.
She noted that her administration was determined to ensure that students are given the right and deservable treat to enable them excel in their various disciplines.
According to her, every student admitted deserve the best, noting that the management of the University exist because of the students.
While congratulating the freshmen for being among those admitted, the VC said that out of the fourty thousand students who applied to study in the University, only ten thousand were lucky to be admitted into the University.
She emphasized that the essence of the orientation was to intingrate the students fully in the institution so that they will know the dos and don’ts of the University.
“It is my delight to welcome you to the university of calabar. Let me congratulate you for being among the ten thousands people admitted in our University,” she said.
While reiterating her administration commitment towards the welfare of students, Prof. Obi promised to always protect and provide succour to the students from any forms of inimical treatment against them.
She said to make life on campus easier for them, she has put on strategy plan in her scheme of things to safeguard their well-being.
She charged the newly admitted students to prove themselves in learning, maintaining that there is no short cut in attaining academic excellence.
The VC warned them to shun bad companies and never to pay their fees into wrong hands that would set them back in their academic pursuit.
She said the only way out for academic excellence is for the students to study hard, obey the lay down rules and paying their fees as at when due.
“Try to compliment the efforts of your parents who are trying hard to train you. for your information, here in the UNICAL, we’ll train you in character and in learning. Please, don’t associate yourself with fraudulent people who are bent on destroying your destiny.
“Chose your friend wisely, refused to be cajole into illegal acts. You must abide by the rules and regulations of the University. have confidence.
“Good students don’t sort, so try to be good by reading your books. refused to be abused by anyone. Be steadfast and maintained your integrity,” she said.
Speaking earlier, the Registrar of the University, Mr Gabriel Egbe, said that the policies and rules of the University are intended to benefit the students and the University as a corporate entity.
While welcoming the freshmen, the Registrar informed that if students obey all the rules and regulations which are based on the mission and vision of the University, the students can be proud that they graduated fron a good University that is comparable to any other within and outside the country.
“My beloved freshmen, everyone taking part in a race has to imbibed self discipline, abide by the rules of the game and at the end win the prestigious prize which in your case is your certificates.
“The University therefore expects that students admitted into the university must be discipline enough to merit it’s certificate,” he said.
Mr Egbe further stressed that it’s offensive for any students to disregard the set rules governing the institution. Some of the forbidden acts he mentioned students should flee from include, Cultism, Stealing, Rape, Fighting, Prostitution, Gambling and Quarreling.
Also speaking, the Dean of Students affairs, Dr. Tony Eyang, admonished the students to put in their best in the pursuit of their careers.
He said when determination and steadfastness are put along side hardwork in their learning process, the sky will be their starting point, noting that, the administration of Prof. Obi is Keen towards their academic excellent.
While thanking the Vice Chancellor for her motherly role towards the success of the orientation exercise, Dr Eyang urged the students to compliment the efforts of the Vice Chancellor by adhering strictly to the rules governing the University.
He said that the office of the Dean of Students Affairs is open for all students, even as he maintained that the deposition of the Dean is to solve their problems.
The orientation exercise, featured presentation of papers on topical students related issues by top management teams.
