Follow Us on Google
By Katherine Diakpomere
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UAES), Umuagwo, Prof. Christopher Eze, has charged newly admitted students of the institution to remain focused, disciplined and determined in their academic pursuit.
Prof. Eze gave the charge during the fifth matriculation ceremony of the university, where 579 students were formally admitted into various first-year programmes across the Faculties of Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Management and Social Sciences.
He said the mandate of UAES is to produce high-quality graduates equipped with sound knowledge, practical skills and entrepreneurial competence capable of addressing national development needs and emerging environmental challenges.
“Our academic programmes are carefully structured to ensure that our graduates are innovative, self-reliant and globally competitive,” he stated.
Describing admission into the university as a significant milestone, the Vice-Chancellor urged the students to maximise the opportunity before them.
“The next four or five years will be decisive in shaping your future,” he said, advising them to attend lectures regularly, study consistently and cultivate focused reading habits.
Prof. Eze emphasised that excellence can only be achieved through discipline, determination and dedication. He warned students against engaging in examination malpractice, cultism, drug abuse, cybercrime, harassment, indecent dressing and other forms of misconduct.
“You are urged to shun indiscipline, lawlessness and all forms of misconduct, and instead embrace self-control, integrity and good character,” he said.
“Be determined to succeed. Dress decently, act responsibly and conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of university students. Use digital platforms and the Internet wisely, as your character and conduct will speak for you long after graduation. Be worthy ambassadors of this university and your families wherever you go.”
The Vice-Chancellor also stressed the importance of effective time management, urging students to avoid distractions and misplaced priorities.
“Academic success is a product of commitment, determination, discipline and perseverance,” he added.
On infrastructure and academic development, Prof. Eze disclosed that the university is strengthening its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities with support from Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
He said the support has enabled the deployment of hybrid learning platforms such as Google Classroom and Blackboard Learning Management System to enhance teaching and learning.
The Vice-Chancellor further encouraged students to take advantage of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund), established under the Student Loans Act of 2024 to remove financial barriers to higher education.
According to him, about 800 students of the university have successfully registered on the NELFund portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, adding that the registration deadline has been extended to February 27.
The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the matriculation oath, officially welcoming the students into the UAES academic community.
