Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Vice Chancellor Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo in Ebonyi State, Prof Sunday Elom, has warned new students of the institution to shun all social vices such as prostitution and cultism.
He warned that the school administration will not hesitate to expel any student involved in such acts.
Professor Elom gave the warning on Friday in an address during the matriculation ceremony for the 5,139 new students admitted into the institution for the 2023/24 academic year.
He said: “You have come to the University to study, therefore shun anything that could distract you from reaching your goals.
“We do not condone any form of cultism, examination malpractice, drug abuse, campus prostitution, sex or money-for-grades, indecent/improper dressing and unruly behavior on campus.
“The consequences of such acts are rustication or outright expulsion of the culprits from the university,” he warned.
While noting that his administration is determined to help the students succeed in their chosen fields of study, the Vice Chancellor urged them to report any form of sexual abuse, intimidation and extortion from staff.
“Send text messages and WhatsApp chats to me on any issue affecting your life on campus. I assure you of prompt response and action,” he promised.
According to him, the students were admitted from over 10,000 applicants who applied to the institution.
He said: “In this 2023/2024 academic year, 5,139 freshmen from different parts of the country are joining our rapidly emerging University.
“Out of this number, 2,364 are males while 2, 775 are females. They should, therefore be proud of their accomplishments.
“They earned a place at today’s ceremony because of their outstanding performances at both the Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the Senior Secondary School Examination.
“However, they should also be humbled by the fact that only a little over 5, 000 of them have been offered this opportunity out of over 10,000 candidates that competed for places at AE-FUNAI.
“Hence, they must have to justify it with good behaviour and good grades throughout their time in this university,” he said.
Prof Elom assured that the administration remains committed to students’ welfare and would continue to improve the accommodation challenges being faced by the students in the school.
