Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, Imo State, held its 43rd Matriculation ceremony on July 29, 2021, with much rejoicing, in spite of the restrictions imposed by COVID-19.
The Matriculation was for the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), Bachelor in Education (B.Ed) and Professional Diploma in Education (PDE) intakes for the 2020/2021 academic session and the College was agog with celebration and fan-fare led by the newly-admitted students, the Student Union Government (SUG) and friends and families of the freshmen and women.
Addressing the matriculating students, the Provost of the iconic institution, Dr. Dan Anyanwu charged them to work hard and be serious with their studies to scale through the academic hurdles ahead of them. He also encouraged them to shun criminal acts like cultism and examination malpractices and cautioned against disobedience to College rules and regulations.
Said the Provost, “My dear students, it will be foolhardy to think that you can achieve excellence through examination malpractices, joining cult groups or flouting rules and regulations. Let it be known to you that examination malpractices of all kinds are a serious offence that can lead to expulsion. And the College management will not hesitate to deal with any cultist. A word is enough for the wise.”
He also enjoined the students to join College approved academic and character moulding groups and fellowships. Emphasising diligence in academics and worthy behaviour, the Provost explained that the certificate is awarded on a two-tier basis of being found worthy in character and learning.
Dr. Dan Anyanwu also encouraged the matriculating students to use available facilities like hostels and the medical centre with all sense of responsibility and avail themselves of support systems like academic advisors which have been designed to facilitate their success and ensure efficiency and speedy graduation.
The Provost equally assured the students that units like the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Monitoring Unit (ACTU) in the College were available for them to approach in case of assault or harassment.
In his address to the Degree students, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka, (UNN), Professor Charles Igwe, who was represented by the Dean, Faculty of Education, Professor Joshua Umeifekwem, welcomed the students and congratulated them for being among the few lucky ones to be admitted into the competitive University known for prioritising merit and fairness in its admission process.
The Vice-Chancellor added that although admission into the institution fulfils a goal, it also leads to other open doors which need to be maintained with diligence to academic work and good behaviour.
He also advised the matriculating students to attend classes, avoid distraction, participate in rewarding activities, obey laws and regulations, shun cultism and criminal activities, and refrain from exam malpractices to achieve their purpose in the University.
Reminding the students of the ongoing global pandemic, he implored them to keep to all NCDC safety measures to ensure their safety.
The high point of the Matriculation was the ceremonial signing of the Matricula by representatives of the NCE, Degree and PDE programmes. The ceremony was attended by members of Management, representatives of the Registrar of the UNN, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) and the Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
Also in attendance were Deans of Schools, Directors, Heads of Academic Departments and Non-Academic Units and members of the Press.
Due to the reported rise in COVID-19 infections in recent weeks, a set number of matriculants participated in the event and parents, guardians and well-wishers were stopped from joining the ceremony held in the College mini stadium.
