The Nasarawa State University on Friday in Keffi, matriculated 5,200 students for 2017/2018 academic session.
Prof. Muhammad Mainoma, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, in his address, warned the newly matriculated students to refrain from cultism and others social vices in the society.
Mainoma, represented by Prof. Inuwa Fodio, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), of the university, said that cultism, examination malpractice and other vices had affected the education sector negatively in the country.
He called on the students to avoid bad company in order to excel in their academic pursuits.
“First and foremost, as we are aware, matriculation ceremonies are indeed occasions to solemnise the formal admission of students into education programmes in the same way that new members of a society or association are initiated.
“From today, your academic pursuits, social, cultural and religious associations must be governed by the laws and tradition of this university.
“And you are advised to carefully familiarize yourselves with these laws and regulations for your benefit.
“I congratulate and advice you and other students to refrain from indulging in cultism, drug abuse, examination malpractice and other vices capable of ending your academic career as well as tarnishing the image of the institution.
“You are also advice to live in peace and should display a resilient capacity to be tolerant with each other’’, the vice chancellor advised.
According to him, cultism, examination malpractice and other social vices have affected lives, the education sector and the socioeconomic development of the country negatively.
He warned all the students against negative acts, adding that the institution would not condone any negative behaviour on its campus.
Mainoma assured the students that the institution would continue to initiate good policies that would improve on their standard of education.
He restated the commitment of the university to provide an enabling environment to improve on their standard of education and welfare.
He also advised the students to take their studies very seriously in order to excel in their academic pursuits and complement their parents/governments’ huge investment in their education.
Alhaji Bala Ahmed, Registrar of the university, while administering the matriculation oath on the new students of the institution, urged them to abide by the oath they had taken and counseled them to take their studies seriously.